Leiomyoma of External Auditory Canal

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Dermatopathology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle tumors, rarely found in the external auditory canal (EAC).
• The EAC typically lacks the smooth muscle (arrectores pilorum) from which piloleiomyomas arise.
• This report documents the seventh EAC leiomyoma and second piloleiomyoma case globally.

Observation:

• A 52-year-old male presented with a 6-month history of an ear canal mass and hearing loss.
• The mass was surgically excised using an endaural approach.
• Histopathological examination confirmed the tumor as a leiomyoma.

Findings:

• The diagnosed tumor was a piloleiomyoma, originating from arrectores pilorum muscles.
• This represents a rare occurrence, given the typical smooth muscle scarcity in the EAC.
• The case adds to the limited literature on leiomyomas within the ear canal.

Implications:

• Piloleiomyoma is an extremely rare differential diagnosis for ear canal masses.
• Increased awareness can aid in accurate and timely diagnosis of such rare conditions.
• Further research into the etiology of smooth muscle tumors in unusual locations is warranted.