[Amphicrine adenoma of the middle ear: three cases reports and a review of the literature].

UNLABELLED: Amphicrine adenoma is an extremely rare tumor of the middle ear. We report three cases obtained over a twenty year period. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: is to discuss our clinical cases and review the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cases of middle ear amphicrine tumour were reviewed. RESULTS: During a 10 year period (1986-2006) three cases of middle ear amphicrine tumour were treated at our unit (2 male, 1 female). The presenting complaint was hearing loss in all 3 cases. Amphicrine adenoma is diagnosed by an immuno-histological examination of pathological specimens. Differential diagnosis can be difficult and one individual was initially treated as an adenocarcinoma by radiotherapy. This patient succumbed to cerebral mycosis two years post-radiotherapy. The other two patients have no evidence of recurrence eight and nine years post treatment. CONCLUSION: Historically, differential diagnosis between amphicrine adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the middle ear has been very difficult. Carcinoid tumour is considered to be a more agressive form of amphicrine adenoma. Tumour progression is through loco regional invasion. Complete excision by surgical management with long term follow up is the treatment of choice.