title: Nodular fasciitis of the external auditory canal.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a reactive myofibroblastic proliferation that may be misdiagnosed as a sarcoma because of its rapid growth, rich cellularity, and mitotic activity. NF is uncommon in the auricular region. We describe a case of nodular fasciitis of the external auditory canal in an 8-year-old male.
  
  
  METHODS
  An excisional biopsy was performed, and the pathologic examination was consistent with nodular fasciitis; however, the lesion recurred within a month requiring that a total excision be done.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient is without recurrence 7 months after the total excision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Because its histologic features closely mimick a malignant lesion, NF must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a mass originating from the external auditory canal to avoid overly aggressive and functionally debilitating treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Karadeniz Technical University, School of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey. drumitcoban@yahoo.com
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Cobanoglu
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Caylan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ersoz
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005208:Fasciitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed