Glandular tumors of the external auditory canal

Thirty-seven cases of ceruminous gland tumors of the external auditory-canal are presented. These are rare tumors, each of which has different clinical characteristics. Six adenomas are reported which are benign and require only local excision for long-term cure. Two muco-epidermoid carcinomas, a type not previously reported, are presented. The muco-epidermoid carcinoma tends to iecur locally and radical excision is necessary for control. The most common glandular tumor of the external auditory canal is the adenoid cystic carcinoma. Twenty-four are reported. Pain is the hallmark of this tumor. The long clinical course ultimately results in death if the tumor is not radically removed at the earliest possible time. Radiation is ineffective. Treatment recommended is (1) wide excision of the external auditory canal, (2) extensive radical mastoidec-tomy, and (3) total parotidectomy and mandibular condylectomy. Five cases of adenocarcinoma are presented. Four were dead from local invasion and distant metastasis within four years, and the fifth was lost to follow-up. Careful histologie evaluation and classification of the type of tumor is necessary to predict the natural history and select the proper treatment. Local excision is curative for the benign adenoma. For the three types of carcinoma described, the surgeon must not hesitate to do the radical operation for the early lesion, because it is in the early stages that the opportunity to produce the cure exists.