DefinitionBenign ear cysts are noncancerous lumps or growths in the ear.Alternative NamesOsteomas; Exostoses; Tumor - ear; Cysts - ear; Ear cysts; Ear tumorsCauses, incidence, and risk factorsSebaceous cystsare the most common type of cysts seen in the ear. They are bulging, sac-like collections of dead skin cells and oils produced by oil glands in the skin.They commonly occur:Behind the earIn the ear canalIn the earlobeOn the scalpThe exact cause is unknown, but cysts may occur when oils are produced in a skin gland faster than they can be released from the gland.Benign bony tumors of the ear canal (exostoses and osteomas) may be caused by excess growth of bone. Repeated exposure to cold water may increase the risk of benign tumors of the ear canal.SymptomsThe symptoms of cysts include:Pa