Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 20, 2025

Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy Retrograde Mastoidectomy using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique
Published on: May 23, 2021
Keratoacanthoma in the External Auditory Canal
Javier Ash1, Raju Limbu2, Victoria Alexander2
1General Surgery, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, GBR.
Abstract:
A 63-year-old male presented with a prolonged history of bilateral ear discharge, otalgia, and hearing loss. The patient required a significant number of investigations prior to obtaining a diagnosis. Subsequent investigations identified keratoacanthoma affecting the external ear canal (EAC). There has been no case report of keratoacanthoma within the EAC till now. The only risk factor identified for the development of keratoacanthoma, in this case, was the frequent use of earbuds and subsequent long-term trauma associated with a retained bud. The histology of keratoacanthoma is difficult to differentiate from that of squamous cell carcinoma but this is essential for the ear, nose, throat (ENT) multi-disciplinary team.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Ear
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking...
The Auditory Ossicles
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
Hair Cells
The Cochlea
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...

