Tumors of the temporal bone.

Temporal bone tumors are rare entities. Histologically these pathologies represent heterogeneous group of diseases. The most common tumors of the temporal bone are vestibular schwannoma, tympanojugular paragangliomas and temporal bone carcinomas. Inner ear tumors, tumors of intratemporal segment of facial nerve and petrous bone tumors represent specific problematics. Clinical symptomatology reflects localization, extent of temporal bone invasion and involvement of individual temporal bone structures. Atypical symptomatology, dysfunction of the cranial nerves of the temporal bone and clustering of inner and middle ear symptoms are key warning signs. Imaging methods, audiometric, neurootological, and neurophysiological examinations are crucial for diagnosis and therapeutic decision planning. Modern therapeutic approaches are dictated by improved understanding of the biology of different tumors and follow recommended guidelines. The treatment is multidisciplinary in many aspects. Surgical treatment requires specific equipment, experience and accumulation of adequate number of cases, therefore it is realized in specialized centers. Unique surgical approaches from the spectrum of neurootologic surgery and skull base surgery are employed.