Nodular fasciitis of the external auditory canal.
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.
Cobanoglu
U
U
Department of Pathology, Karadeniz Technical University, School of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey. drumitcoban@yahoo.com
Caylan
R
R
Ersoz
S
S
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