Adenoid cystic carcinoma of ceruminous gland: a case report

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the external auditory canal (EAC) is a very rare malignant tumor and its diagnosis is frequently missed because of the superficial nature of biopsies. A 30 year old male presented with 6 months history of recurrent painful right ear discharge. On examination there was a nodule of 2 cms in diameter. The microscopic examination of the punch biopsy specimen of tumor revealed typical features of an adenoid cystic carcinoma. While reporting the biopsies of external auditory canal one should keep the adenoid cystic carcinoma as one of the possible differentials, especially if the biopsy is superficial, problem is recurrent and histopathological features suggest the granulation tissue.