Ceruminous adenoma of external auditory canal

INTRODUCTION: Tumors of the external auditory canal are very rare in humans. Many cases are described within the animal genus. There is no sex difference, and the age of presentation is very variable. Thanks to the new classification (WHO - 4th edition), ceruminous adenomas of the external auditory canal have been introduced. These are benign minors of apocrine glandular cell characteristics without signs of malignancy. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a systematic review to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement in order to evaluate the incidence of cases in the literature, symptoms, diagnostic criteria, therapeutic choices and the follow-up of this benign lesion. Seventeen literature articles were considered. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: In all cases, the ceruminous adenoma manifested itself in an asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic manner, with symptoms related to the encumbrance of the mass. Instrumental diagnostics (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) excluded the invasion of the surrounding noble structures. The treatment choice is surgical, by complete excision with surrounding healthy tissue. The histological diagnosis is confirmed by iimnunohistochemistiy (CK 5-7; S-100). CONCLUSIONS: Even though it is a benign minor, it is possible to have recurrences or transformations into a malignant minor years later, especially when there are no free margins after excision. For this reason, follow-up over time of the lesion is recommended, especially in the case of incomplete excision. There are no indications for adjuvant therapy.