Cavernous hemangioma of the external ear canal.
OBJECTIVE
To document the occurrence of a cavernous hemangioma of the external ear canal and to review the relevant literature. STUDY DESIGN Case report and literature review.


METHODS
Review of a patient chart, imaging studies, operative report, and histologic findings.


RESULTS
A cavernous hemangioma of the external ear canal not involving the tympanic membrane was surgically excised without complication. This is the third documented cavernous hemangioma of the external ear canal without tympanic membrane involvement in the English literature. Computed tomography scan is invaluable to narrow the differential diagnosis. Complete removal is curative.


CONCLUSIONS
Cavernous hemangioma of the external ear canal with or without tympanic membrane involvement is a rare otologic entity amenable to surgical treatment. Temporal bone computed tomography scan imaging is an important preoperative diagnostic tool.
D004424:Ear Canal; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006392:Hemangioma, Cavernous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed