T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia presenting as an ear canal mass.
OBJECTIVE
We discuss the first reported case of a chronic leukemia involving the external auditory canal.


METHODS
Case report and review of the literature (Medline, 1962-2003).


RESULTS
An adult man in good health came to receive medical attention because of a sensation of aural fullness. Radiologic and physical examination demonstrated an ovoid soft tissue mass of the lateral external auditory canal that, after biopsy and flow cytometry studies, was found to be T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia. The patient presented with minimal disease in a highly symptomatic location, allowing early initiation of therapy and extending his life by nearly four times the average life expectancy for this aggressive chronic leukemia.


CONCLUSIONS
Lymphomas of the external auditory canal are extremely rare neoplasms. Only a few cases have previously been reported, and all of the previous reports involve acute leukemias. This report indicates that chronic leukemias can present with otologic manifestations such as an external auditory canal mass.
Adelson
Robert Todd
RT
Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Otology/Neurotology/Skull Base Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.
Samy
Ravi N
RN
Lindberg
Guy
G
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015458:Leukemia, T-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed