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Abstract

Background/Aim: Several diseases can affect the external auditory canal (EAC) which may cause conductive hearing loss among other things. However, some of them are locally invasive and if they are not diagnosed early may lead to morbidity with low quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the clinicopathological profile of aural polypoidal masses as well as their treatment and outcome Methodology: An 8 -year retrospective clinicopathologic analysis of patients with aural mass seen and treated at the ENT clinic of Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti and Group Consultant Clinic (Private Clinic), Ado Ekiti, Nigeria between July 2007 and June 2015 was carried out. Information on patient's biodata, clinical and histological diagnosis, treatment and outcome were retrieved from their case notes.Results: Forty one (41) patients had complete data for analysis. Their age ranged from 6 to 63 years. Majority (34.1%) of the patients falls within the age group of 20 -30 years. Thirty (73.2%) were males with male: female ratio of 2.7:1. Right ear were more affected than the left in 65.9 % of the patients. The major complaints they presented with was otalgia 30 (73.2%). The commonest histological diagnosis was aural polyp in 17(41.5 %) of the patients after surgical excision (simple aural polypectomy). Conclusion:Aural masses of different forms are commonly present to Otolaryngologist. Otalgia was the commonest symptom leading to early presentation in our study. All the patients had simple aural polypectomy. Commonest histological diagnosis was aural polyps. Histopathology remains the key tool in differentiating aural masses. Early diagnosis will prevent morbidity and mortality.