External auditory canal cholesteatoma masquerading as ear wax

Abstract External auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC) is a rare condition and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Clinically, patients usually present with symptoms like chronic dull ear pain and ear discharge but many patients can be asymptomatic. Early diagnosis is imperative to facilitate best possible intervention and to relieve patient symptoms and to prevent further complications. We are hereby presenting a rare case of external auditory canal cholesteatoma being erroneously mistaken as ear wax.