Ceruminous adenoma: A rare tumor diagnosed on cytology with histological correlation

Abstract

Ceruminous adenoma (CA) is a rare, benign tumor of the ceruminous gland found in the cartilaginous part of the external auditory canal (EAC). The tumor is diagnosed on histopathology and shows a characteristic dual population of luminal epithelial cells and basal myoepithelial cells. However, CA can be diagnosed on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) prior to surgery and the cytopathologist should be well aware of its cytological findings to avoid any misdiagnosis. The tumor shows an excellent prognosis with possible recurrence and malignant transformation. The present case emphasizes the cytological features of CA, which have been scantily described in the literature and highlights the role of cytopathologists in preoperative diagnosis.

Solitary adult xanthogranuloma in external auditory canal: Cyto‐histopathological correlation of an uncommon entity at an uncommon site

“…Touton giant cells are rarely seen. Ceruminous adenomas show clusters of basaloid cells with rounded nuclei and homogenous chromatin, in addition to the foamy xanthomatous cells on cytology 17 . Xanthomas usually do not show thick stromal component and inflammatory cells.…”

Ceruminous adenoma mimicking otitis externa

“…Differential diagnosis of CA includes pleomorphic adenoma, meningioma, exostosis, osteoma, eosinophilic granuloma, cholesteatoma, choristoma, branchial cleft cyst, meningioma, neuroendocrine adenoma, paraganglioma, and also malignant tumors such as ceruminous adenocarcinoma. 2 The diagnosis is made histologically. Imaging techniques such as CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) do not give sufficient information to permit a diagnosis of benign ceruminous gland tumor.…”

“…The current treatment of choice for all benign ceruminous gland tumors of the ear canal is en bloc surgical resection with a sufficient margin. 1 , 2 In the literature, those tumors have been excised using a transmeatal approach with a wide margin including canal skin in order to prevent recurrence and reconstructed with a free skin flap. 7 , 8 In our case, the tumor was excised using a transcanal approach with a skin flap and no recurrence has been observed for a year after surgery.…”

“… 1 Ceruminous adenoma (CA) arises from a modified apocrine sweat gland in the external auditory canal called a “ceruminous gland.” 2 Mean age of onset is usually the sixth decade of life (range, 24–85 years) with no sex preference, and CA is more frequent in cats and dogs compared to humans. 1 , 2 This benign tumor is difficult for clinicians to diagnose because of their varied clinical presentation, and diagnosis is made histopathologically; however, CA has a good prognosis after complete excision. 2 We present a new case of CA mimicking external otitis and review the relevant literature on CA.…”

“… 1 , 2 This benign tumor is difficult for clinicians to diagnose because of their varied clinical presentation, and diagnosis is made histopathologically; however, CA has a good prognosis after complete excision. 2 We present a new case of CA mimicking external otitis and review the relevant literature on CA.…”