ear, nose, and throat disorders
Malignant External Otitis
Diagnosis of Malignant External Otitis
CT scan of the temporal bone Biopsy Diagnosis of malignant external otitis is suggested by a high-resolution CT scan of the temporal bone, which may show increased radiodensity in the mastoid air-cell system, middle ear radiolucency (demineralization) in some areas, and bony erosion. Cultures are done, and, importantly, the ear canal must be biopsied to differentiate this disorder from a malignant tumor or neoplastic process (eg, Squamous Cell Carcinoma ). 