Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the External Auditory Canal and Temporomandibular Joint - A Case Report

Rationale Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) of external auditory canal (EAC) is a rare malignancy. It presents significant diagnostic and surgical challenges due to complex anatomy and functional implications.

Patient Concerns A 39-year-old female presented with progressive left ear pain, hearing loss and discharge, initially treated as otitis media.

Diagnosis Subsequent investigations confirmed AdCC of the EAC extending to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Treatment The patient underwent wide local excision of the EAC AdCC lesion, including a superficial parotidectomy and partial TMJ tissue removal, guided by frozen section analysis. Final histopathology confirmed clear surgical margins across all 26 evaluated samples.

Outcome Post-operative recovery was uneventful with no residual disease or metastasis by 6 months. The patient reported mild trismus with preserved jaw function.

Take-away Lessons Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are critical for EAC AdCC with TMJ involvement. Meticulous surgical planning, clear resection margins and vigilant follow-up are crucial for optimal outcomes.