[Amphicrine adenoma of the middle ear: three cases reports and a review of the literature].

UNLABELLED: Amphicrine adenoma is an extremely rare tumor of the middle ear. We report three cases obtained over a twenty year period.

THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: is to discuss our clinical cases and review the literature.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Three cases of middle ear amphicrine tumour were reviewed.

RESULTS

During a 10 year period (1986-2006) three cases of middle ear amphicrine tumour were treated at our unit (2 male, 1 female). The presenting complaint was hearing loss in all 3 cases. Amphicrine adenoma is diagnosed by an immuno-histological examination of pathological specimens. Differential diagnosis can be difficult and one individual was initially treated as an adenocarcinoma by radiotherapy. This patient succumbed to cerebral mycosis two years post-radiotherapy. The other two patients have no evidence of recurrence eight and nine years post treatment.

CONCLUSION

Historically, differential diagnosis between amphicrine adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the middle ear has been very difficult. Carcinoid tumour is considered to be a more agressive form of amphicrine adenoma. Tumour progression is through loco regional invasion. Complete excision by surgical management with long term follow up is the treatment of choice.