An unusual localisation of Kaposi's sarcoma: the external auditory canal

The epidemic form of Kaposi's sarcoma is associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Cutaneous and mucosal manifestations are frequently reported in the ENT sphere, mostly involving the oral cavity. The external and middle ear are only rarely concerned with only one case of a mastoid lesion without extension to the external auditory canal (EAC) being reported to this day. The present article describes the first case of involvement of the EAC with extension to adjacent structures. This patient presented other Kaposi lesions and had been treated by systemic hormonal therapy. Thereafter local injection of a cytotoxic agent was given without effect. Finally, radiotherapy resulted in a 50% regression of the tumour mass. The epidemiologic factors and therapeutic modalities with their results are described.