T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia presenting as an ear canal mass.

OBJECTIVE

We discuss the first reported case of a chronic leukemia involving the external auditory canal.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case report and review of the literature (Medline, 1962-2003).

METHODS AND

RESULTS

An adult man in good health came to receive medical attention because of a sensation of aural fullness. Radiologic and physical examination demonstrated an ovoid soft tissue mass of the lateral external auditory canal that, after biopsy and flow cytometry studies, was found to be T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia. The patient presented with minimal disease in a highly symptomatic location, allowing early initiation of therapy and extending his life by nearly four times the average life expectancy for this aggressive chronic leukemia.

CONCLUSION

Lymphomas of the external auditory canal are extremely rare neoplasms. Only a few cases have previously been reported, and all of the previous reports involve acute leukemias. This report indicates that chronic leukemias can present with otologic manifestations such as an external auditory canal mass.