Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2004 Dec;47(12):1311-1314.

A Case of Ceruminous Adenocarcinoma Arising from the External Auditory Canal

• Kwon YH
• Choi JH
• Kim HJ
• Jung HH

Abstract

Ceruminous adenocarcinoma is a malignant subtype of ceruminoma. Ceruminous gland tumors of the external auditory canal (EAC) are rare neoplasm, and less than 150 cases have been reported to date. These tumors encompass a wide variety of histological presentations with different malignant potential. A 51-year-old woman presented with one month history of a right side otalgia. Physical examination showed an irregular surface elevation on the anterior portion of the right EAC and a normal tympanic membrane. Histologic examination revealed adenoid cystic carcinoma. After radiation therapy, lateral temporal bone resection, total parotidectomy and split thickness skin graft were performed. The diagnosis was confirmed as a ceruminous adenocarcinoma. At the last follow-up at 10 months, there was no evidence of recurrence. Ceruminous adenocarcinoma of the EAC is a rare malignant neoplasm and as definitive diagnosis is sometimes not provided until surgery, a biopsy must be performed in every EAC lesion. Combined radical surgery and radiation is the mainstay of therapy.

Keyword

Adenocarcinoma; Ear canal

MeSH Terms

Adenocarcinoma*
Biopsy
Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic
Diagnosis
Ear Canal*
Earache
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Middle Aged
Physical Examination
Recurrence
Skin
Temporal Bone
Transplants
Tympanic Membrane