A surprising finding after external ear polypectomy in a deaf mute patient.

Hazem M Abdel Tawab,Ravi Kumar V,Salim M Sloma Tabook

doi:10.1155/2015/401708

Hazem M Abdel Tawab, Ravi Kumar V + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/401708

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Abstract

Introduction. External auditory canal polyps usually reflect an inflammatory process. Rarely, they may reflect a serious condition that warrants urgent intervention. Case Report. A 19-year-old deaf mute female presented to our department with persistent left ear discharge and a reddish mass in the ear. After surgery, the cause was identified as a neglected foreign body. Tympanic membrane was intact. Conclusion. Aural polyp that is resistant to medical treatment should raise the suspicion of an inflammatory polyp with underlying chronic suppurative otitis media or foreign body. Rarer neoplastic and immunological causes should also be considered.

Highlights

External auditory canal polyps usually reflect an inflammatory process
The present case report emphasizes the need to keep an underlying foreign body in mind when one encounters an aural polyp in clinical practice
Aural polyps are often attributed only to chronic suppurative otitis media. This case illustrates that other causes should be borne in mind and it is prudent to actively rule out a foreign body by detailed history

Summary

Introduction

Aural polyp or otic polyp is a proliferation of granulation tissue with chronic inflammatory cells in response to a long standing inflammatory process [1, 2]. It is an uncommon lesion, which usually affects young ages, with male to female ratio of 2 : 1 [1,2,3]. The present case report emphasizes the need to keep an underlying foreign body in mind when one encounters an aural polyp in clinical practice.

Case Report

Findings

Discussion