Primary melanoma of the middle ear.

We present a case of a 52-year-old white female with what we believe is the first documented example of a primary melanoma of the middle ear. Multiple myringotomies and two tube insertions over a 14-month period were carried out until frank hemorrhage was encountered on the last one. Middle ear exploration found the lesion to be a primary melanoma. The supposed course of her diseased ear is discussed as regards the lag between effusion and frank blood when tumor was finally hit on the last myringotomy.