Multiple myeloma of cranium with external ear canal swelling and occipital mass: A rare case report

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM), the most common plasmacell neoplasm, manifests relatively often in the head and neck region, but rarely in the ear. We present a patient with fluctuating hearing loss, otalgia, persistent otitis externa and occipital swelling. CT imaging showed a large mass of cranium and the initial radiological diagnosis was plasmacytoma. Multiple osteolytic bone lesions, monoclonal serum protein with serum M component concentration of 35.2 g/L and bone marrow biopsy with abnormal, clonal plasma cells population confirmed the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Although a rare manifestation in the external ear canal and its surroundings, plasmacytoma or multiple myeloma should be considered as a possible diagnosis in the presence of a scalp mass or a treatment resistant swelling of the external ear canal.