Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the external auditory canal: Report of two cases

Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinoma occurring in the external auditory canal is very rare. Two cases are being reported. One was diagnosed on cytology based on which surgery was planned. In the second case, fine needle aspiration procedure had to be abandoned due to severe pain and a biopsy was required for its diagnosis. Morphologically, it resembles its more common salivary gland counterpart. Though severe pain during needling may be a limiting factor, adenoid cystic carcinoma of external auditory canal can be confidently diagnosed on cytology based on which surgical management can be planned.

Keywords

• Adenoid cystic carcinoma
• external auditory canal
• fine needle aspiration cytology
• histopathology