Capillary hemangioma of the tympanic membrane.

Hemangiomas of the tympanic membrane are extremely rare. We present the third reported case and, to our knowledge, the first capillary hemangioma of the tympanic membrane. These deep purple polypoid tumors are asymptomatic while small but enlarge slowly to erode adjacent structures. They arise characteristically from the lamina propria of the tympanic membrane without involving the middle ear. Early recognition permits simple excision with preservation of the lamina propria, avoiding the need for tympanic membrane resection and reconstruction.