Capillary Hemangioma as an Unexpected Pathology in the External Auditory Canal

Hemangiomas are benign vascular lesions frequently observed in infancy and childhood.

A 14-year-old boy was referred to the hospital with a left-sided ear canal mass and hearing impairment. Otoscopic examination revealed a mass that occluded the canal. The transcanal surgical excision was performed. The mass was dissected from the skin, no bony erosion was noted intraoperatively, and the skin was returned back properly. The histopathological report demonstrated a capillary hemangioma of the external auditory canal. 

Hemangiomas are relatively common in the head and neck, but rarely detected in the external ear canal and tympanic membrane. Hemangioma of the ear canal may be asymptomatic and accidentally observed. Despite the rarity of the mass, it is important to consider them in the differential diagnosis of external auditory canal masses. The computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium help to reveal the vascular nature of the mass. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice.