Fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone.

Fibrous dysplasia is characterized by a progressive replacement of normal bone elements by fibrous tissue. It is seen in the two first decades of life and is equally distributed in relation to the sex of patients. The temporal bone is involved in 18% of the cases. Fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone is more commonly manifested in the external auditory canal (80%) and the inner and medium ear can also be involved. Sarcomatous alterations are rare. Diagnosis is based on radiological images. Treatment is conservative and surgery is reserved for preserving function and preventing complications. The case of a male patient, 16 years old, who presented with progressive hearing loss over a 1-year period is reported.