Unusual Growth in Ear Canal During Infection Treatment

Case at a Glance

An 18-year-old transgender male presents with a painless growth in the ear canal discovered during treatment for an active ear infection.

Patient's Story

The patient was undergoing treatment for an ear infection with prescribed Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) and topical ear drops when he noticed an unusual bump-like formation in his ear canal. The growth was discovered while the patient was cleaning his ear during the treatment period. The patient reports no pain or discomfort associated with the bump and expresses reluctance to return for additional medical evaluation.

Initial Assessment

Patient was initially diagnosed with otitis externa (outer ear infection) and prescribed appropriate antibiotic therapy with Augmentin and topical ear drops. During self-examination while cleaning the ear, patient identified a non-tender mass within the ear canal that was not previously noted during initial consultation.

The Diagnostic Journey

The patient provided photographic documentation of the ear canal showing the presence of infectious debris and the questionable growth. The timing of discovery during active infection treatment raises questions about whether this represents an inflammatory response, cerumen impaction, granulation tissue formation, or a pre-existing condition that became more apparent after debris removal.

Final Diagnosis

Pending further evaluation - differential diagnosis includes inflammatory polyp, granulation tissue secondary to chronic infection, cerumen impaction, or benign ear canal growth requiring otolaryngological assessment.

Treatment Plan

Continue current antibiotic regimen as prescribed. Patient advised to complete full course of Augmentin and ear drops. Recommendation for otolaryngology consultation to evaluate the ear canal growth, particularly given the unusual presentation during active infection treatment.

Outcome and Follow-up

Patient outcome pending specialist evaluation. Follow-up recommended within 1-2 weeks to reassess infection response and evaluate the ear canal growth. Patient education provided regarding the importance of professional evaluation for any new growths, even if asymptomatic.