Primary malignant melanoma of the external auditory canal: a case report with presentation as an aural polyp

A case of primary cutaneous melanoma of the external auditory canal and a review of the literature are reported. This is the first reported case with microstaging of the tumor. The tumor presented as a polypoid obstructive lesion of the external ear canal. Although occurrence of melanoma in this location is extremely rare, differential diagnosis of an external ear canal polyp should be expanded to include primary malignant melanoma.