Medico-legal Pitfall in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the External Auditory Canal

Abstract

Ceruminous gland tumours are rare injuries of the external auditory canal (EAC). This tumor, even if considered a slow-growing carcinoma, has high rate of perineural invasion and metastasis. For this reason, it must be promptly diagnosed, then it must be treated with aggressive surgery combined with postoperative radiation. The present case report is about a case of an adenoid cystic carcinoma arising the external auditory canal of 46 years old female patient, who complained hypoacusis and pain. The profile of medical liability is substantiated on the delayed diagnosis when the lately observed tumor progression by the invasion of both surrounding bone and vascular structures.