Granular Cell Tumor in Auditory Meatus: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Otolaryngology
• Pathology

Background:

• Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are uncommon benign soft tissue neoplasms.
• They predominantly occur in the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the head and neck, particularly the tongue.
• GCTs typically present as slow-growing nodules with non-specific clinical and radiological features.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old female presented with symptoms of right-sided hearing loss.
• Imaging and clinical presentation suggested cholesteatoma.
• A benign GCT was identified in the right auditory meatus.

Findings:

• The case details a rare instance of a benign granular cell tumor located in the auditory meatus.
• This represents the first reported case of GCT in this anatomical location.
• The tumor was initially misdiagnosed as cholesteatoma due to overlapping clinical features.

Implications:

• This finding expands the known anatomical distribution of granular cell tumors.
• It underscores the importance of pathological confirmation for suspected auditory canal lesions, even when clinical signs suggest other pathologies.
• Awareness of GCTs in the auditory meatus may improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management.