External auditory canal paraganglioma: an atypical presentation

Abstract

AbstractObjective:We present the first published description of a painful paraganglioma of the external auditory canal. Atypical histopathology made the diagnosis difficult. We discuss the potential pitfalls of clinical diagnosis and treatment of such a case.Clinical presentation:A 49-year-old woman presented with left-sided otalgia, hearing loss and tinnitus. Physical examination revealed a firm swelling arising from the superior portion of the left external auditory canal. A clinical diagnosis of otitis externa was made.Intervention:There was minimal response to medical treatment. The swelling was aspirated, leading to brisk bleeding. A tumour was suspected from the computed tomography scan, and confirmed by a biopsy. The patient underwent excision of the paraganglioma. The histopathology was atypical, making diagnosis difficult.Conclusion:Such unusual masses of the external ear should always be borne in mind, especially when dealing with atypical presentations of commonly encountered diseases. Clinicians should have a low threshold for early intervention with imaging and biopsy.