Dermal cylindroma of the external auditory canal

ABSTRACT External auditory canal (EAC) cylindroma is a rare tumor that mainly presents as a painless mass over the lateral aspect of the ear canal. They have been designated under different nomenclatures in the literature, and controversies persist about their etiology and histogenesis. Moreover, a clinical diagnosis of EAC cylindroma is often challenging because of their rarity and a close resemblance with other adnexal benign and malignant tumors. None of the previous authors have extensively reviewed the dermal cylindroma of the EAC. We provide an extensive review involving PubMed and Google Scholar and report by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards. A total of 8 cases are included in the current study. The mean age is 55.13 years. There are six females and two males. The left and right ear are involved in 62.50% and 37.50% of cases, respectively. The most common sign/symptom is painless mass (50%). Five authors reported a primary lesion (62.50%), while the remaining 3 reported a recurrent tumor (37.50%). Benign versus malignant cylindroma is reported in 87.50% and 12.50% of cases, respectively. All, except one case, reported a solitary swelling. Surgical excision was employed in all the cases. Primary defect closure versus defect closure with local/distant skin graft /flap is utilized in 37.50% and 62.50% of cases, respectively.

Auricular reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery: analysis of 101 cases

Abstract Background: The ear is a region that has a high prevalence of cutaneous carcinomas and several guidelines indicate Mohs micrographic surgery as the first-choice treatment in such cases. Although the technique allows maximum preservation of healthy tissue, many auricular surgical wounds constitute a challenge due to the peculiar local anatomy, with evident curves and reliefs. Auricular reconstruction should prioritize function before aesthetics, but without leaving the latter aside, since postoperative distortions can have a significant psychological impact. Objective: To describe the authors' experience in auricular reconstruction after Mohs surgery and to evaluate the most frequently used repair methods. Methods: Retrospective study of consecutive cases submitted to Mohs surgery and auricular reconstruction, over a period of 3 years. Results: One hundred and one cases were included and the most common repair method was primary closure (n = 35), followed by full-thickness skin graft (n = 30) and flaps (n = 24). In thirty cases, reconstruction methods were associated. Seven patients had complications (partial graft necrosis, postoperative bleeding or infection). Study limitations: Retrospective design and the absence of long-term follow-up of some cases. Conclusions: The dermatologic surgeon should be familiarized with different options for auricular reconstruction. Primary closure and skin grafts were the most frequently used repair methods.

Retalho retroauricular: um relato de caso / Retroauricular flap: case report

O carcinoma basocelular (CBC) pode acometer a região auricular em diversas localizações e tamanhos variados, com ou sem comprometimento de cartilagem. Algumas vezes, as ressecções são pequenas, e as reconstruções são simples. Outras vezes, em lesões maiores, as reconstruções são mais complexas, considerando-se a restrita quantidade de pele do local e a peculiaridade das estruturas envolvidas. Relatamos o caso de um retalho retroauricular estagiado em dois tempos, após a exérese de um CBC na face posterior do pavilhão auricular direito com comprometimento parcial da cartilagem, evoluindo com ótimo resultado estético e funcional, tanto do pavilhão auricular quanto da área doadora

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can affect the auricular region in several locations and sizes, with or without cartilage involvement. Sometimes resections are small and reconstructions are simple. Other times, when the lesions are more extensive, reconstructions are more complex, considering the limited amount of skin in the area and the peculiarity of the structures involved. We report a case of a retroauricular flap staged in two stages, after the excision of a BCC on the posterior face of the auricle, with partial involvement of the cartilage, showing a great aesthetic and functional result both in the recipient and donor area.

Reconstrução da hélice: tripla transposição / Helix reconstruction: triple transposition

O câncer da pele não melanoma é a neoplasia maligna mais comum em humanos, sendo os carcinomas basocelulares responsáveis por aproximadamente 80% dos casos. A exposição cumulativa à radiação ultravioleta é o principal fator de risco associado ao carcinomas basocelulares, ocorrendo maior incidência nas áreas fotoexpostas, incluindo a região auricular. A região auricular é uma unidade cosmética nobre, cujas peculiaridades anatômicas tornam as cirurgias, com necessidade de excisão de grande quantidade de tecido, um desafio para o cirurgião dermatológico. Os autores apresentam caso de reconstrução da hélice e região retroauricular por meio de retalho com tripla transposição.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common neoplasia in humans, and basal cell carcinomas (BCC) account for approximately 80% of cases. Cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) is the main risk factor associated to BCC, with a higher incidence in photoexposed areas, including the auricular region. The auricular region is a noble cosmetic unit, with anatomical peculiarities that lead surgeries to require the excision of a large amount of tissue, presenting a challenge for the dermatological surgeon. The authors present a case of helix reconstruction with a triple transposition flap.

Retalho pré-auricular tunelizado insular de base superior para reconstrução de defeitos auriculares / Superiorly-based, preauricular tunneled insular flap for reconstruction of auricular defects

O complexo auricular representa sede frequente de lesões, especialmente de origem tumoral ou resultante de eventos traumáticos. Diversas são as opções cirúrgicas para restaurar a integridade anatômica da orelha. Relatamos o caso de um paciente que apresentou lesões tumorais em mais de uma ocasião na face anterior da orelha esquerda e que precisou de intervenção cirúrgica para a correção do defeito gerado pela excisão tumoral. Como procedimento proposto, planejamos e executamos um retalho insular de base superior, que por meio de um túnel criado na projeção da fossa triangular foi rodado para a fossa escafoide, reparando-a em um único tempo cirúrgico, apresentando resultados estético e funcional satisfatórios ao paciente.

The auricular complex is commonly affected by tumors or traumatic events. Several surgical options are available for restoration of ear anatomy. We report the case of a patient who presented with tumor lesions on more than one occasion in the anterior left ear and required surgical intervention to correct the defect generated by excision. As a proposed procedure, we designed and executed a superiorly-based insular flap that was rotated to the scaphoid fossa through a tunnel created in the projection of the triangular fossa; this was performed in a single stage, and the patient was satisfied with the aesthetic and functional results.

Reconstrução da hélice da orelha sem triângulo de compensação / Ear's helix reconstruction without the compensation triangle

Os cânceres da pele na região da cabeça e do pescoço correspondem a 70-75% dos tumores cutâneos malignos, e, destes, 80% são do tipo carcinoma basocelular. O pavilhão auricular é a localização dos tumores cutâneos malignos em percentual que varia de três a 6% dos casos. Relatamos técnica alternativa para reconstrução da hélice após exérese de tumores sem a utilização do triângulo de compensação clássico, de modo a proporcionar cicatriz na dobra da hélice, com melhor resultado estético, sem retrações inestéticas ou cicatrizes transversais à hélice.

Skin cancers in the head and neck region account for 70-75% of malignant cutaneous tumors, of which 80% are basal cell carcinomas. Between 3-6% of malignant cutaneous tumors occur in the auricular pavilion. The authors of the present paper report an alternative technique for reconstructing the ear helix after excision of tumors, without the use of the classic compensation triangle. This method allows that the scar be located in the helical sulcus, resulting in a better aesthetic result, without unaesthetic retractions or scars located transversely to the helix.

Prognostic Factors Affecting Surgical Outcomes in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of External Auditory Canal

OBJECTIVES: Carcinomas of the external auditory canal (EAC) are rare, and management remains challenging. Previous studies seeking prognostic factors for EAC cancers included cancers other than carcinomas. In this study, we analyzed the treatment outcomes of, prognostic factors for, and survival rates associated with specifically squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the EAC. METHODS: A retrospective review of 26 consecutive patients diagnosed with SCCs of the EAC in a 10-year period was performed in terms of clinical presentation, stage, choice of surgical procedure, and adjunct therapy. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were calculated and univariate analysis of prognostic factors was performed. RESULTS: The median age of the 26 patients with SCCs of the EAC was 63 years (range, 40 to 72 years), and 16 males and 10 females were included. According to the modified University of Pittsburgh staging system, the T stages were T1 in 11, T2 in six, T3 in four, and T4 in five cases. The surgical procedures employed were wide excision in three cases, lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR) in 17, and extended LTBR in four, and subtotal temporal bone resection in two. Two patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and two underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. One patient received preoperative radiation therapy, and eleven received postoperative radiation therapy. Of the possibly prognostic factors examined, advanced preoperative T stage and advanced overall stage were significant predictors of RFS, but not of OS. CONCLUSION: The advanced T stage and overall stage were associated with decreased survival after surgical treatment in patients with SCC of the EAC, highlighting the importance of clinical vigilance and early detection.

A rare development of tumoral calcinosis of the ear auricle

Tumoral calcinosis is a condition characterized by deposition of calcium salts in the skin and sub- cutaneous tissue, commonly found around the joints. However, tumoral calcinosis of the auricle is extremely rare. We present the case of a 13-year-old boy with tumoral calcinosis of the helix of the ear auricle. A 13-year-old boy presented with a 10-year history of an enlarging mass on the left auricle. The mass was hard, non-tender, and non-compressible. The patient had no history of trauma. Complete surgical excision and pathological examination of the specimen was performed. The final diagnosis of the excised mass was tumoral calcinosis. After 9 months of follow-up, there were no signs of recurrence of the tumor and the patient was satisfied with the surgical results. Tumoral calcinosis of the auricle is extremely rare and may be misdiagnosed as other tumors. Pathological examination is essential for definitive diagnosis and complete surgical excision should be considered as the treatment of choice.

Staged retroauricular flap for helical reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery

Abstract Staged retroauricular flap is a great option for full-thickness defects along the helical rim and antihelix. Donor site consists of the posterior ear, postauricular sulcus and mastoid area. The advantages of this flap include hidden donor scar, donor tissue similarity and rich vascularity. We present a case of collision tumor on the left helix treated with Mohs micrographic surgery and the resulting full-thickness defect repaired with a staged retroauricular flap. This flap is an effective technique for full-thickness helical defect repair with relatively little operative morbidity. High esthetic and functional results may be obtained restoring the ear size and shape.

Total earlobe reconstruction with a superiorly based preauricular flap

Abstract: An 86-year-old woman was referred for treatment of a lentigo maligna melanoma on the left earlobe, confirmed by cutaneous biopsy. The resulting surgical defect involved the earlobe's full thickness. The authors outline a simple method for reconstructing the entire lobe in one stage, without grafts, whilst offering a pleasant appearance. Earlobe deformity may be congenital or, more often, acquired due to trauma, burns or surgery. Ear lobules are an important reference point for facial symmetry and they serve decorative purposes like wearing earrings. Losing them represents an obvious aesthetic abnormality. Several methods developed to reconstruct this deformity have presented various advantages and disadvantages.

Earlobe reconstruction by the Gavello technique and bilobed flap / Reconstrução do lóbulo auricular pela técnica de Gavello e retalho bilobado

The earlobe is an anatomical structure that has a significant aesthetic role. Its surgical repair places a challenge due to the difficulty of obtaining a natural appearing and durable outcome. The authors present two options: the Gavello technique and the bilobed flap, after the excision of malign neoplasms of the earlobe. The Gavello technique makes use of a bilobed flap with an anterior base to mold the new earlobe. D'Hooghe's bilobed flap with a pre and post-auricular lobe allows the reconstruction of small earlobes. Both techniques, although old, acquire an important and current interest in earlobe reconstruction, by reason of the moderate degree of difficulty, the use of a single time surgical act and under local anesthesia, with a proper aesthetic result.

O lóbulo auricular é uma estrutura anatómica com uma importância estética significativa. O desafio inerente à sua reconstrução relaciona-se com a dificuldade em obter um resultado duradouro e cosmeticamente aceitável. Os autores apresentam duas opções: a técnica de Gavello e o retalho bilobado, após excisão de neoplasias malignas do lóbulo auricular. A técnica de Gavello, recorre a um retalho bilobado com base anterior, para constituir o novo lóbulo auricular. O retalho bilobado de D'Hooghe, com lobos pré e pós-auriculares, permite a reconstrução de defeitos de pequenas dimensões. As duas técnicas descritas, apesar de antigas, mantém-se actuais pela execução de grau de dificuldade média, em tempo cirúrgico único, sob anestesia local com a obtenção de resultados cosmeticamente aceitáveis.

Rabdomiosarcoma de oído: Experiencia en la Fundación Hospital de la Misericordia / Ear rhabdomyosarcoma: Fundacion Hospital de la Misericordia Experience

Los rabdomiosarcomas son el tercer tumor sólido extracraneal más frecuente durante la niñez y el sarcoma más frecuente durante este periodo. 1/3 de estos tumores compromete las áreas en cabeza y cuello y solo un 4% compromete el oído medio como su sitio primario. La Fundación Hospital de La Misericordia (HOMI) en un centro hospitalario de cuarto nivel comprometido con la atención integral de la población pediátrica y es un centro de remisión nacional para el manejo de patologías de alta complejidad. Se realiza una revisión de casos de rabdomiosarcoma de oído de esta institución y una revisión de la literatura de esta patología para socializar los síntomas y pronóstico de esta patología en Colombia.

The rhabdomiosarcoma is the third most frequent extracraneal solid tumor in childhood and is the most frequent sarcoma in this age group. 1/3 of these comprise the head and neck area, and only 4% are present in the middle ear as its primary site. The Fundación Hospital de La Misericordia (HOMI) is a 4th level hospital committed with the attention of pediatric population and it is a national referral center for the management of high complexity pathologies. We will make a revision of ear rhabdomiosarcoma at our institution and a review of the literature to socialize symptoms and pronostic factors in Colombia.

Reconstrução da região superior da hélice / Reconstruction of the superior helix

A orelha é uma estrutura anatômica complexa que pode ser dividida em diferentes subunidades, cada qual com suas particularidades. Certamente, não há uma única técnica cirúrgica que seja efetiva nas mais variadas situações. Dessa forma, é necessário conhecer diferentes técnicas reconstrutivas aplicadas a cada uma das sub-unidades da orelha, com o objetivo de alcançar resultados estéticos satisfatórios. A seguir descrevemos detalhadamente o retalho de avanço na região superior da hélice, para a reconstrução de defeitos cirúrgicos.

The ear is a complex anatomical structure in which each subunit has unique characteristics. No single reconstruction technique could work in all situations; therefore, knowing different ways to reconstruct surgical defects in each one of these subunits is essential to achieving the best cosmetic results. We report here a detailed explanation of a superior helical advancement flap designated to repairs of the upper helical rim.

Surgical Technique of Minimal Incision Approach with CO2 Laser for Congenital Cholesteatoma / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transcanal antrotomy approach (TCA) enables not only good exposure but also minimal incision approach required for pediatric congenital cholesteatoma (CC). The addition of "CO2 laser enabled ablation and resection (CLEAR)" would facilitate safe and complete removal of CC from stapes. This study evaluates the clinical results of surgically removing CC through TCA with CLEAR (minimal incision approach with CO2 laser, MICL). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The medical records of patients who underwent endaural extended tympanostomy, MICL, or postauricular approach for CC removal from January 2009 to September 2011 were reviewed in this study. RESULTS: MICL was performed in 37 patients of Potsic I, II CC. It was effective in surgical exposure and reducing the chance of residual CC. MICL could satisfactorily avoid postauricular tympanomastoidectomy, which allowed preservation of healthy mastoid air cells for almost all Potsic III CC, including posterior CC (14 patients). MICL was also useful for 6 cases of Potsic IV CC that extended beyond the incus posterosuperiorly to the auditus ad antrum. Children were not committed to second look operation because the attic was exteriorized with-out the cavity problem and the complete removal of CC from the stapes was facilitated with CLEAR. CONCLUSION: MICL enabled sufficient exposure with less invasive approach as well as complete CC removal, which reduced the postoperative complications and needs for second look operation. This surgical technique could be widely used for Potsic stage I, II, III, and some IV CC.

CT and MRI diagnosis of primary middle ear carcinoma invading jugular foramen / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To study the CT and MRI features of primary middle ear carcinoma invading jugular foramen.Methods CT and MRI images of 7 patients with surgically and pathologically confirmed primary middle ear carcinoma invading jugular foramen were analyzed retrospectively,including high resolution CT (HRCT) scan in 6 cases,CT enhancement scan in 1 case and MR plain and enhancement scan in 7 cases.Results On HRCT,the soft tissue lesions mainly located in tympanum,tympanic sinus,the deep of external auditory canal and jugular foramen,and irregular “moth-eaten” bone destruction could be seen,including the destruction of jugular foramen in 7 cases,eustachian tube in 7 cases,facial nerve canal in 4 cases,carotid artery canal in 4 cases,external auditory canal wall in 3 cases,auditory ossicles in 2 cases,vestibular window and horizontal semicircular canal in 1 case.CT plain scan showed the density of soft tissue mass was uniform in 4 cases with CT value of 30-55 HU,and heterogeneous in 2 cases,in which small pieces high density lesions could be found.CT enhancement scan in 1 case revealed moderate and homogeneous enhancement.On MR plain scan,the soft tissue masses with hazy margins could be seen,and compared to the gray matter of brain,the lesions were isointense or slightly hypointense on T1 WI and isointense or slightly hyperintense on T2 WI.The signal was homogeneous in 5 cases and inhomogeneous in 2 cases with small pieces of hypointensity both on T1WI and T2WI.After enhancement,the lesions were enhanced moderately and homogeneously in 5 cases and inhomogeneously in 2 cases with small pieces of nonenhanced area.MRI also showed the erosion of carotid artery in 4 cases,sigmoid sinus in 1 case.Conclusion The primary middle ear carcinoma can invade the jugular foramen area extensively,which may lead to misdiagnosis.HRCT can precisely depict the bone destruction and the invasion of the important anatomic structures in the primary middle ear carcinoma,and the destruction of eustachian tube can help to reduce misdiagnosis.MRI can more clearly show the extent of tumor and the mass signal and enhancement pattern.

Progression of middle ear cancer / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Middle ear cancer is a rare malignant tumor of middle ear and mastoid region. Most of middle ear cancer is squamous cell carcinoma in pathology. The major symptoms of middle ear cancer are also common findings in patients with chronic otitis media, so it is quite difficult to make an early diagnosis. Clinical diagnosis most depends on the image examination and pathological examination. There are various treatment strategies in international medical circles. Operation combined with radiotherapy is primary treatment modality used in most cases. Middle ear cancer generally has a poor prognosis.

Morphological aspects of tympanic bulla after lateral osteotomy in cats

PURPOSE: To evaluate tympanic bulla healing after experimental lateral osteotomy in cats. METHODS: Twenty adult cats were submitted to unilateral lateral bulla osteotomy and divided into two groups: cats of B1 group (n=10) were euthanized at 8 weeks and cats of B2 group (n=10), at 16 weeks postoperative. RESULTS: Oblique lateral radiographs taken immediately postoperative showed interruption in the contour of the external acoustic meatus of the operated bullae in all cats of both groups (McNemar test: p=0.0010*). This feature was still observed in the radiographs taken after 8 and 16 weeks postoperative (McNemar test: B1 p=0.0020*; B2 p=0.0312*). Macroscopic examination showed that the operated bullae were similar to the normal ones, with preservation of the tympanic cavity. Connective tissue at the osteotomy site was significantly found in the operated bullae in both groups (McNemar test: B1 p=0.0020*; B2 p=0.0010*). The length of connective tissue at the osteotomy site was measured by histomorphometry. There was no statistically significant difference between the values of B1 group and B2 group (Mann-Whitney test: p=0.0524). CONCLUSIONS: Experimental lateral osteotomy did not alter significantly the tympanic bulla conformation and complete regeneration of the tympanic bulla frequently did not occur before 16 weeks of postoperative period.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a morfologia da bulla tympanica de gatos após osteotomia lateral unilateral. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 20 gatos distribuídos em dois grupos de 10 animais cada, de acordo com o período de observação: B1 (8 semanas) e B2 (16 semanas). RESULTADOS: Nas radiografias em projeção lateral oblíqua realizadas no pós-operatório imediato observou-se a interrupção do meato acústico externo da bulla tympanica operada de todos os gatos de ambos os grupos (McNemar, p=0,0010*). Esta característica ainda pode ser observada nas radiografias realizadas 8 ou 16 semanas após a cirurgia (McNemar: B1 p=0.0020*; B2 p=0.0312*). Os exames macroscópicos revelaram que a bulla tympanica operada apresentava conformação semelhante a da bulla tympanica normal, com preservação da cavidade timpânica. Na maioria das bullae tympanicae operadas observou-se a presença de tecido conjuntivo na área de osteotomia. O resultado do teste de McNemar foi significante em ambos os grupos (B1 p=0,0020*; B2, p=0,0010*). A histomorfometria mediu a extensão de tecido conjuntivo presente no local da osteotomia. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois grupos (Mann-Whitney, p=0,0524). CONCLUSÕES: A osteotomia lateral não alterou de maneira significativa a conformação da bulla tympanica. A regeneração total da bulla tympanica geralmente não ocorreu antes de 16 semanas de pós-operatório.

Ceruminous Gland Adenocarcinoma of External Ear Canal: A Case Report

Ceruminomas are rare tumors arising from the ceruminous gland, which is a modified apocrine gland in the skin of the external ear canal. There is controversy about these rare tumors regarding their histological classification, their origin and the importance of wide excision, and there is also terminological confusion for making the diagnosis. Ceruminous adenocarcinoma is a malignant subtype of ceruminoma. We report here on a case of adenocarcinoma of the ceruminous gland in a 71-year-old male patient.

Osteoma of the Middle Ear: Case Report

Osteomas of the middle ear are exceedingly rare benign neoplasms. To date, only 21 cases have been reported in the literature. They arise from the promontory, the pyramidal process and the ossicles, and they are usually asymptomatic or cause some conductive hearing loss. We report here the CT & pathologic findings in a 38-year-old woman with a benign osteoma of the middle ear along with chronic otitis media.