Five cases of chondroma involving the external auditory canal.

A cartilaginous tumor located in the external auditory canal is a rare finding. Only 48 cases of chondromas of the external auditory canal have been documented in the literature. The natural course of these tumors as well as the diagnosis and management has not been well established. We have encountered five cases of external auditory canal chondroma. The patients consisted of three males, ages 12, 14, and 29, and two females, ages 2 and 3, respectively. Otoscopic examination demonstrated a tiny firm tumor protruding from the anterior wall of the bony external auditory canal. Surgery was performed all cases, and the tumor proved to be a chondroma histologically. All cases could be approached through the ear canal. The postoperative courses were uneventful and no recurrences were found during the follow-up periods. From our experiences, it is important to recognize that chondromas are in the differential of small exophytic tumors on the anterior or superior wall of the external auditory canal and can be removed safely and effectively through the transcanal approach.