Pediatric Malignant Melanoma of the External Auditory Canal: A Case Report

Malignant melanoma of the ear canal is an exceedingly rare disease process, especially in children under 15 with only one case previously described in the literature. This case report describes the clinical course of a young man initially diagnosed with malignant melanoma of the ear canal at age 10 and subsequently underwent surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy as well radiation therapy. Despite extensive treatment the patient unfortunately succumbed to metastatic malignant disease 17 months after his initial diagnosis. The goal of this manuscript is to improve clinician awareness of a rare yet potentially devastating disease process with the hope of facilitating early diagnosis and intervention.