Abstract

The objective of the study is to present a rare case of epidermal cyst of the bony external auditory canal in adult. Epidermal cyst of the bony external auditory canal, though very rare, was kept in the list of differential diagnosis of a skin lined mass of the external auditory canal. A case report method and review of literature was used for the diagnosis. Epidermal cyst is very rare in the external auditory canal. Only two cases of epidermoid cyst arising from the bony external auditory canal are reported previously in English. But both were in pediatric age group. Epidermal cyst in external auditory canal in adult patients may be confused with masses that are commonly seen; this includes osteomas, exostosis, ear polyps, carcinomas etc. Epidermal cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis of a patient with an ear mass.

Key words: Epidermal cyst, external auditory canal.