Aural Neoplasia in the Dog & Cat

Ear tumors are more common in cats than in dogs, accounting for up to 27% of all feline skin tumors. In both species, these tumors can arise from any of the aural structures, including the squamous epithelium, ceruminous and sebaceous glands, and soft tissue structures. The most common ear tumors in dogs are histiocytoma on the pinnae, ceruminous gland adenoma and adenocarcinoma, and papillomas. In cats, the most common tumors are inflammatory polyps of the middle ear, squamous cell carcinoma, and ceruminous gland adenoma and adenocarcinoma. The clinical signs of an aural tumor often mimic those of a middle ear infection-definitive diagnosis requires a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including fine-needle aspiration biopsy and radiographs. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common malignant tumor in cats and are the most important malignant tumor in both cats and dogs. This article discusses current diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for neoplastic tumors of the ear. It discusses ceruminous gland adenomas and adenocarcinomas in depth. Early recognition is important, particularly in cats because these tumors are locally invasive and will metastasize in up to 50% of cases. Feline ear polyps are the most common benign ear tumor of cats and are extremely problematic. Other important tumors, including cholesteatoma or epidermal cysts of the middle ear of dogs, sweat gland adenomas and adenocarcinomas, histiocytomas, and papillomas, are also reviewed. The author discusses current pathophysiology and treatments of these tumors. This article helps to answer these questions: Although surgery is usually the treatment of choice, what type should I use-total ear canal ablation, bulla osteotomy, lateral ear resection? Do I add chemotherapy? What is the prognosis?

COMMENTARY: Ear tumors may be relatively uncommon, but they are important diagnostic differentials of pinnal disease in dogs and cats and when patients with severe or recurrent otitis externa/media are being evaluated. Early recognition will enhance patient survival times and will increase the number of treatment options. This article discusses all of the important ear tumors of dogs and cats, including diagnostics and treatment recommendations. If you treat ears in practice, this is a "do not miss" item.

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Treatment of aural neoplasia in the dog and cat. Kirpensteijn J. Proc NAVC 2006, pp 793-796.