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Nodular fasciitis of the external auditory canal
U Cobanoglu1, R Caylan, S Ersoz
1Department of Pathology, Karadeniz Technical University, School of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey. drumitcoban@yahoo.com
Problem:
Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a reactive myofibroblastic proliferation that may be misdiagnosed as a sarcoma because of its rapid growth, rich cellularity, and mitotic activity. NF is uncommon in the auricular region. We describe a case of nodular fasciitis of the external auditory canal in an 8-year-old male.
Methodology:
An excisional biopsy was performed, and the pathologic examination was consistent with nodular fasciitis; however, the lesion recurred within a month requiring that a total excision be done.
Results:
The patient is without recurrence 7 months after the total excision.
Conclusions:
Because its histologic features closely mimick a malignant lesion, NF must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a mass originating from the external auditory canal to avoid overly aggressive and functionally debilitating treatment.
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