All canine diagnoses

Your dog was diagnosed with Ceruminous Gland Carcinoma. Uncommon. Most common malignant tumour of the canine ear canal. Chronic otitis externa may be a predisposing factor. Often diagnosed late due to location within ear canal. Compare 2 treatment options for dogs including Total Ear Canal Ablation + Lateral Bulla Osteotomy (TECA/LBO), Adjuvant Radiation (Post-TECA/LBO) — with survival times, costs, and what to expect during treatment.

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Ceruminous Gland Carcinoma

BreedsCocker SpanielGerman ShepherdAny breed with chronic otitis
canine

Epithelial

About This Cancer

Ceruminous gland carcinoma arises from the wax-producing glands (ceruminous glands) lining the external ear canal. It is the most common malignant tumour of the canine ear canal. Chronic ear infections (otitis externa) may serve as a predisposing factor, as the ongoing inflammation is thought to promote abnormal cell growth over time. The tumour's location within the ear canal often delays diagnosis, as early signs — such as ear discharge, head-shaking, or a foul odour — can be mistaken for a simple ear infection. By the time of diagnosis, the tumour may have invaded the deeper structures of the ear, including the bony bulla (the chamber behind the eardrum). Treatment typically requires total ear canal ablation with bulla osteotomy (TECA-BO) — complete surgical removal of the ear canal combined with opening and cleaning of the bony chamber behind the eardrum.

No formal staging system

Clinically staged by extent of involvement

Stage Ear canal onlyTumour confined to external ear canal
Stage Bulla involvementExtension into tympanic bulla — worse prognosis
Stage MetastaticRegional LN or distant metastasis
Prognostic Factors(1)
Extent of disease at surgeryTumours confined to ear canal: excellent prognosis with TECA/LBO. Bulla involvement or incomplete excision: worse outcomes.(London et al., 1996)
Minimum Workup(6 steps)
1Otoscopic examination
2CT scan of skull (extent of disease, bulla involvement — essential for surgical planning)
3Biopsy of mass
4Regional lymph node assessment
5Thoracic radiographs
6Complete blood count and biochemistry

Median Survival Time Comparison

How long the average patient survives with each treatment

Bar opacity reflects evidence strength
Total Ear Canal Ablation + Lateral Bulla Osteotomy (TECA/LBO)
~42 mo (24–58)
Adjuvant Radiation (Post-TECA/LBO)
~24 mo (12–40)
Reading this page: MST (Median Survival Time) is how long the average patient survives with a given treatment. ORR (Overall Response Rate) is the percentage of patients whose tumour shrank or disappeared. CR = Complete Response (tumour gone); PR = Partial Response (tumour shrank). Hover over any abbreviation for a quick explanation.
Strength of Evidence

Each treatment is rated by how much published research supports its use. Solid bars indicate stronger evidence; dashed bars mean less certainty.

StrongLarge published studies with strong agreement among veterinary oncologists.
ModerateWidely used in clinical practice, but supported by smaller or retrospective studies.
IndirectEvidence comes from a different tumour type or species and has been applied here.
LimitedVery little published data is available for this specific treatment.

Please note: All treatment data is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature. Survival times and cost figures are approximate guides. Your pet's individual factors — including tumour grade, stage, and overall health — will influence outcomes and should guide all treatment decisions. The strength-of-evidence rating reflects how much research exists, not how strongly a treatment is recommended. This tool is designed to help you have informed conversations with your veterinary oncologist, not to replace them. Costs shown are US referral centre estimates and may vary significantly by region.