Pleomorphic Adenoma of Ceruminous Glands of the External Auditory Canal: A Rare Presentation

Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign tumor commonly seen in major salivary glands, but it is rare to encounter this tumor deriving from the ceruminous glands in the external auditory canal (EAC). We present the case of a 33-year-old female who presented to us with complaints of scanty ear discharge and itching in the right ear for the past 6 years, on examination a pinkish polypoidal mass completely filling right EAC was seen and tympanic membrane was not visible. Fine-needle aspiration cytology suggested possibility of hidradenoma papilliferum. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showed focal erosion of posterior bony canal wall of EAC. Tumor was excised through postaural route under microscope, histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. This case report highlights the importance of suspecting rare tumors such as pleomorphic adenoma in EAC which can give confusing picture with chronic otitis media. We recommend a detailed clinical examination along with HRCT to know if there is any bony erosion. Due to the possibility of recurrence and malignant transformation, it is recommended to take proper safety margins during surgery and keep the patient on follow-up for a long-term.