Ceruminous Adenocarcinoma of External Auditory Canal: A Case Report

J Int Adv Otol. 2016 Dec;12(3):341-344. doi: 10.5152/iao.2016.1249. Epub 2016 Aug 3.

Abstract

The external auditory canal contains ceruminous glands, which are modified apocrine sweat glands, along with sebaceous glands. Tumors that originate from ceruminous glands are very rare; thus, the classification, clinical behavior, and management of these tumors remain debatable. Here we present a case of ceruminous adenocarcinoma arising from the external auditory canal. Although most authors advise more aggressive therapy, our patient was treated with local en bloc resection of the tumor followed by intensity modulated radiotherapy and had no recurrence for 3 years. We suggest that limited surgery with safe margins followed by radiotherapy is an alternative choice of treatment in selected patients with ceruminous adenocarcinoma. Further reports are required to support this outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma / radiotherapy
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery*
  • Cerumen
  • Ear Canal*
  • Ear Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ear Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Ear Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Exocrine Glands*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged