Malignant otitis externa or malignancy: Report of two cases

ObjectivesTo demonstrate the importance of detailed clinical analysis in the differential diagnosis of malignant otitis externa and to provide an update on the current diagnostic tools available.Case reportsTwo cases with malignancy presenting as otitis externa are reported. Both were treated initially with antibiotics; but failed to settle.CT scanning demonstrated lesions in the skull base in each case. Histology revealed two different and rare types of tumour.ConclusionsPatients with unresponsive otitis externa require imaging; and clinicians should be alert to other conditions that may mimic otitis externa.