Neoplasia: ceruminous gland

Introduction

• Neoplasia of the apocrine sweat glands found in the external ear canal.
• Usually malignant.
• Affects older cats.
• Signs : include aural discharge, a mass, and often pruritus .
• Diagnosis : appearance, histopathology.
• Treatment : consists of surgical ablation of ear canal followed by possible radiation therapy.
• Prognosis : recurrences are common.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

• Aural discharge, often foul-smelling, seropurulent.
• Pinkish-white or pigmented (commonly melanotic), pedunculated, and single or multiple tumors in external ear canal.
• Submandibular lymph node enlargement.

• Masses may be infiltrative, erosive and ulcerated.

• Facial swelling.
• Drainage suggestive of a parotid abscess.
• Head tilt.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

• Causes of chronic otitis    .

• Other cutaneous neoplasms    affecting the ear canal.
• Polyp in ear canal    .

Sequelae

Prognosis

• Guarded :recurrences are common following surgery; combined treatment with radiotherapy may reduce chance of recurrence.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

• Moisan P G et al (1996)Ceruminous gland tumours in dogs and cats: a review of 124 cases.JAAHA32(5), 448-452.
• London C A et al (1996)Evaluation of dogs and cats with tumours of the ear canal: 145 cases (1978-1992).JAVMA208(9), 1413-1418.
• Theon A P et al (1994)Radiation therapy of ceruminous gland carcinomas in dogs and cats.JAVMA205(4), 566-569.