ABSTRACT

Primary malignancy involving the external auditory canal is rare, with 80% of them being squamous cell carcinoma while 5% of them are adenoid cystic carcinoma. These tumours are known for its high rates of recurrence, significant morbidities from surgical management and adjuvant radiotherapy, as well as eventual death of the patient. We describe a case of an elderly female with right ear canal mass who presented with recurrent right ear pain. After the tumour was excised, it was confirmed to be adenoid cystic carcinoma. This case highlights the rarity of the entity of adenoid cystic carcinomas involving the external auditory canal; and how its subtle initial presentation can be mistaken to be a clinically benign condition.