A Case of Pleomorphic Adenoma of the External Auditory Canal

Abstract

The occurrence of benign tumors in the external auditory canal is relatively rare. Whereas reports concerning tumors such as nevus cell nevus, osteomas, papillomas, hemangiomas and adenomas can be noted, there are few reports on pleomorphic adenomas of the external auditory canal in Japan.
We have experienced one case of pleomorphic adenoma of the external auditory canal. A 42-year-old male visited our hospital with a two-year history of left ear hearing loss. We identified a mass occupying the left external auditory canal consisting of an elastic tumor. Following excision of the tumor under general anesthesia, it was pathologically diagnosed as a ceruminal gland pleomorphic adenoma.
Pleomorphic adenomas of the external auditory canal have a better prognosis than those of parotid origin, but the possibility also exists that a malignant tumor from the parotid has developed in the external auditory canal. We considered that the first treatment of choice should be an operation.