Metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma in the external auditory canal

To present a rare case of rectal adenocarcinoma metastasising to the external auditory canal, in a patient in whom computed tomography staging of the abdomen, chest and pelvis was clear for metastatic disease.

Case report and review of the literature.

Metastatic tumours to the external auditory canal are rare, with rectal adenocarcinoma being one of the rarest. However, it is important that the external auditory canal is regarded as a potential site for metastasis, even when computed tomography staging is clear. Metastatic tumour should be included in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with an ear mass.