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Case Reports

Abstract

Ceruminous adenoma is a benign glandular proliferation arising from the cerumen-secreting modified apocrine glands of the external auditory canal. Although rare, making up less than 1% of all external auditory canal tumors, this entity represents an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of external auditory canal lesions. Without complete excision, there is a high rate of local recurrence, which can lead to adverse patient outcomes. We report a case of ceruminous adenoma involving a 65-year-old male with a right ear canal lesion. Histologic examination revealed a well-circumscribed multilobular epithelial proliferation composed of tubular, ductal, and papillary epithelial structures within fibrotic and hyalinized stroma. The epithelial structures demonstrated a dual cell lining, with inner luminal columnar cells exhibiting apical snouts and intracytoplasmic golden-brown pigment, positive for CK7 and AE1/AE3, and an outer layer of myoepithelial cells, positive for S100 and p63. The combined clinical, morphologic and immunohistochemical findings supported a diagnosis of ceruminous adenoma. Recognition of this entity is important for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management to optimize patient outcomes.