Aural polyps: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P An aural polyp is a growth in the outside (external) ear canal or middle ear. It may be attached to the eardrum (tympanic membrane), or it may grow from the middle ear space.

T Causes
P Aural polyps may be caused by:
- Cholesteatoma
- Foreign object
- Inflammation
- Tumor

T Symptoms
P Bloody drainage from the ear is the most common symptom. Hearing loss can also occur.

T Exams and Tests
P An aural polyp is diagnosed through an exam of the ear canal and middle ear using an otoscope or microscope.

T Treatment
P Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor may first recommend:
- Avoiding water in the ear
- Steroid medicines
- Antibiotic ear drops
P If a cholesteatoma is the underlying problem or the condition fails to clear, then surgery may be needed.

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call your health care provider if you have bleeding from an ear.

T Images
- Ear anatomy

T References
P Chole RA. Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis, and petrositis. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund V, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 139.
P O'Handley JG, Tobin EJ, Shah AR. Otorhinolaryngology In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 18.

T Review Date 5/25/2016
P Updated by: Sumana Jothi, MD, specialist in laryngology, Assistant Clinical Professor, UCSF Otolaryngology, NCHCS VA, SFVA, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

