Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 18 - a2272
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1388779

Schwannoma Originating in the External Auditory

Pedro Augusto Magliarelli Filho 1, Stephanie Rugeri de Souza 1, José Celso Rodrigues de Souza 1, Ricardo Ferreira Bento 1
  • 1Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FM-USP)

Introduction: Schwannomas are benign slow-growing tumors of neurogenic origin. Although these tumors can develop in several regions of the body, external auditory canal is an unusual site. We found that only 13 cases were reported in the literature worldwide from 1963 to 2014.

Objectives: This study aims to report an uncommon case of schwannoma originating in the external auditory canal.

Resumed Report: A 24-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of recurrent external otitis, ear fullness, progressive hearing loss, and a slow growing mass arising from the right auditory ear canal. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance with gadolinium confirmed a soft, well-circumscribed mass restricted to the right auditory ear canal. The patient underwent excisional biopsy of the mass via Lempert Transmetal approach and histopathologic examination revealed the diagnosis of schwannoma. The patient was followed 1 year after surgery with no signs of local recurrence and complete recovery of ear complaints.

Conclusion: We described an uncommon case of schwannoma of right external auditory ear canal. Excisional biopsy is necessary for definitive diagnosis and treatment. Temporal bone imaging is fundamental for defining the characteristics, extension of the lesion, and for planning therapeutic approach.