LAUSR

BACKGROUND Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that occurs in the external auditory canal (EAC) is very rare. Currently reported cases were mainly treated with surgical resection. Here, we described an early-detected BCC of the EAC, which achieved good results with photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) solution was applied on the tumor and its surrounding area of 0.5 cm normal skin. The skin lesion was encapsulated with sterile plastic film and covered with black film to avoid light. Then a special semiconductor laser fiber with 635 nm wavelength red light was directly inserted into the EAC to irradiate the lesion. RESULTS The wound was healed. After 1 year of follow-up, there was no recurrence of the tumor. CONCLUSION Our case shows that PDT for BCC of the EAC can also achieve good results. It adds a new treatment option for BCC of EAC patients, especially for those who cannot or refuse to use surgery.