A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: Keratosis Obturans Causing Facial Nerve Palsy - A Case Report with Review of the Literature

Abstract

Keratosis obturans is a benign disease caused by layered impaction of wax within the external auditory canal. It presents with acute onset of pain and ear blockade. The current report discusses a 24-year-old male patient with recurrent unilateral keratosis obturans associated with facial canal erosion and resulting in facial palsy. A detailed review of the literature is presented. Keratosis obturans can behave aggressively, resulting in significant erosion of the bone and intratemporal structural damage and complications. Timely intervention is vital.

Keywords

• keratosis
• ear canal
• bone resorption
• facial paralysis