Benign necrotizing otitis externa

Abstract

Benign necrotizing otitis externa (BNOE) is a rare condition of the external acoustic meatus characterized by ulceration of the floor of the deep meatus overlying an area of bony necrosis. Recognition of this condition as different from malignant necrotizing otitis externa (MNOE) and carcinoma of the external ear is important because its treatment is very different. The best choice of treatment for BNOE is not clear because both long-term medical therapy and surgery have been advocated as first-line treatments. We describe a case involving a 50-year-old man and present what we believe to be the first published photographs of the surgical management of BNOE.