Bulky, Benign Tumor of the External Auditory Canal

REPORT OF A CASE A 76-year-old white man presented for evaluation of a large bulky tumor measuring 1.5 cm in diameter, arising from the floor of the distal external auditory canal and cavum of the concha (Fig 1). The surface was smooth, with occasional telangiectatic vessels. The lesion was firm in consistency, but not hard. The external auditory meatus was almost completely occluded, significantly reducing the patient's air-conduction hearing in the right ear. Multiple medical opinions had been sought over the past 10 years concerning removal of the lesion, but no therapy was previously performed. THERAPEUTIC CHALLENGE Resection of a mass within the limited space of the external auditory canal is made more difficult by occlusion of the field with blood. Also, in resecting any tumor that involves 180° or more of the external auditory canal, it is likely that healing by second intention will result in stenosis of the ca