Benign cylindroma: a rare differential diagnosis of external ear canal tumour

Cylindromas are rare adnexal skin tumours that usually occur in the head and neck area. This article reports a case of benign cylindroma arising in the external auditory canal. A 75-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of right aural fullness; no other symptoms were reported. Ear microscopy examination revealed a skin mass on the floor of the external ear canal. Α CT scan of the skull showed a well-circumscribed soft tissue mass, with no signs of underlying cortical bone erosion. Tumour resection through an endaural approach was performed. Histological examination revealed a benign cylindroma with margins free of tumour, so that no further treatment was necessary. 8 months after surgery the patient is asymptomatic with normal findings in the ear microscopy examination. Benign cylindroma has a high recurrence rate and can undergo malignant transformation. Therefore, complete surgical removal and close follow-up are of great importance.