Cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma of the external auditory canal: a case report and review of the literature

Case Rep Otolaryngol. 2012:2012:941065. doi: 10.1155/2012/941065. Epub 2012 Aug 5.

Abstract

Cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma (cNEC) is rarely seen in the external ear. In this paper, we newly describe a patient with cNEC in his right external auditory canal, followed by a further discussion on the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatments of cNEC of the external ear. A review of the literature showed that cNEC of the external auditory canal generally presents as asymptomatic and that pathology yields the most confirmative diagnosis. A wide resection with adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy is recommended. The overall prognosis of this condition is poor.