ceruminom

Ceruminom is a term used in some medical sources to describe a neoplasm arising from the ceruminous glands of the external auditory canal (EAC). Ceruminous glands are specialized sweat glands that contribute to earwax. The designation ceruminom is infrequent in modern classifications, where most lesions in this region are described as ceruminous adenomas, pleomorphic adenomas with ceruminous differentiation, adenomyoepitheliomas, or ceruminous carcinomas. The term therefore refers to a rare category of cerumen-producing gland tumors in the ear canal and is primarily encountered in older literature or in limited case reports.

Clinical presentation typically involves a unilateral mass in the external auditory canal, most often in adults. Patients may report ear fullness, otorrhea, or conductive hearing loss due to canal obstruction. On examination, the lesion can be polypoid or nodular within the canal; the tympanic membrane may be difficult to visualize if the canal is partially occluded.

Diagnosis relies on histopathology after biopsy or surgical excision. Imaging with CT or MRI can define the extent of canal involvement and exclude deeper invasion. Benign ceruminomas generally show glandular structures with ceruminous-type epithelium, while malignant variants demonstrate invasive growth, cytologic atypia, or higher mitotic activity.

Treatment is complete surgical excision with clear margins. Recurrence is possible but uncommon for benign lesions; malignant variants require more extensive resection and oncologic management. Prognosis is favorable for benign ceruminomas, whereas malignant ceruminous tumors have a variable prognosis depending on stage and histology.

See also: ceruminous gland, ceruminous adenoma, external auditory canal tumors.