Journal of ENT and Allied Sciences

The location of the sigmoid sinus within the mastoid cavity can be variable. An anteriorly displaced vertical segment of the sigmoid sinus constitutes an uncommon but potentially dangerous anatomical variation that surgeons can encounter during surgery. In this, the sigmoid sinus lays underneath a very thin bony flap, which can be easily damaged. Thus, an abrupt bleeding might occur. We present a case where the vertical segment of the left sigmoid sinus was encountered just underneath the posterior wall of the external auditory canal during evaluation of a case of COM. Anatomical variations of the sigmoid sinus are not uncommon, and the otolaryngologist should be aware of such variations to prevent intra- operative surprises.

Keywords: Sigmoid sinus; Abnormally displaced; Anterior course; Anatomical variation.

Today this is difficult to think a life without a mobile. Mobile phone use has increased dramatically since its introduction in the early-to-mid 1980’s. In the last 20 years, worldwide mobile phone subscriptions have increased from 12.4 million to over 5.6 billion, involving about 70% of the global population. India holds second position with about 885 million users, that is, 74% of Indian population. Mobile phone emits electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range around 2.5 GHz range and health concerns have been raised. On May 31, 2011 the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorized the radiation fields from mobile phones, and from other devices that emit similar non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs), as a Group 2B i.e., a ‘possible’ human carcinogen. When the mobile is in use, all the components of the auditory system including the skin, external and middle ear, the inner ear, cochlear nerve and the temporal lobe surface absorb the radiofrequency energy. The widespread use of mobile phones in recent years has given rise to concerns about the potential influences of its electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on human ear. Little attention has been paid to the effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) of mobile phones on hearing.

Keywords: Electromagnetic fields (EMFs); Mobile, Auditory Effect, Hearing.

Osteomas are osteoblastic mesenchymal tumour composed of well-differentiated mature osseous tissue with a laminar structure. Osteoma is a benign slow growing bone tumour with predominance in long bones, and is rare in the skull. They are a very rare present in the mastoid temporal bone, being usually asymptomatic for long time and treated mainly for cosmetic reasons. This is a retrospective study of the clinical presentation, management and complications of temporal bone osteoma done from April 2015 to may 2019. The study population is twelve patients, all who has been radiologically and histopathologically proven to be entire case of osteoma. Out of the 12 patients, 7 were females and the rest 5 were males. All cases had swelling behind the ear, impairment of hearing in 1 case and 6 cases had pain over swelling. The duration of symptoms ranged from 8 months to 6 years. Out of total 12 patients 1 case had mastoid region involvement along with extension to external auditory canal. The surgical excisions depend on the symptoms, size of tumor, and its complication All Patient underwent complete excision of the tumour and then the bone at margin and base was drilled with a diamond burr to remove the mass completely without any significant complication. The entire specimen was sent for histopathological examination and diagnosis of osteoma was confirmed. The clinical presentation and radiological features of osteoma are characteristic but differential diagnosis should include eosinophilic granuloma, giant cell tumour, monostotic fibrous dysplasia, solitary variant of multiple osteoma, and osteoblastic metastasis. Osteomas present on the mastoid or squamous portion of the temporal bone need to be dealt for cosmetic purposes or if they are causing symptoms, while surgery should include careful removal of periosteal cover and safe margin of the mastoid cortex around it.

Keywords: Mastoid temporal bone; Postaural swelling Temporal bone tumours; Osteoma.