title: Cholesterol cyst manifesting as a middle ear vascular tumor.
abstract: A localized, cystic, "blue ear drum" (idiopathic hymotympanum) mimicking a middle ear vascular tumor occurred in a 12-year-old boy. This lesion must be included in the differential diagnosis of suspected vascular mass of the middle ear. A history of eustachian tube dysfunction should be sought. Physical examination is usually not diagnostic, and a full radiologic evaluation is essential in order to rule out a high jugular bulb, an ectopic carotid artery, or a glomus tumor.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002784:Cholesterol; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000175:diagnosis; D004432:Ear, Middle; D006099:Granuloma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D002784:Cholesterol