Bilateral carcinoma of the middle ear

Bilateral squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bones

We report a case of bilateral squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bones in a 66-year-old woman who underwent a left subtotal petrosectomy and a right lateral temporal bone resection. Hearing rehabilitation was successfully achieved by fitting a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) on the right side. We feel that in cases where the extent of the tumor permits a lateral temporal bone resection in at least one side, fitting of a BAHA can achieve a good outcome without resorting to tympanoplasty techniques that may compromise the medial end of the surgical resection.

Bilateral carcinoma of the temporal bone: case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone is a rare entity. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature and even fewer describe bilateral tumours. Because its clinical presentation resembles chronic otitis media or otitis externa, diagnosis could be delayed.

CASE REPORT

A case is presented of bilateral squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone in a 66 year old woman. The patient underwent a left subtotal petrosectomy followed by a right subtotal petrosectomy a month later.

CONCLUSIONS

Early diagnosis is directly related to patient prognosis. However, prognosis remains poor and the surgical treatment is a challenge for the experienced skull base surgeon.

Bilateral carcinoma of the external auditory meatus

A 65-year-old woman had suffered for two months from bilateral tinnitus and discharge, pain in the right ear, and loss of hearing. Biopsy showed carcinoma of the squamous type on both sides. Tomography revealed bone destruction on the right. The patient was treated with radiotherapy. Two months after treatment, tomography showed tumour regression on the right side, but progression on the left. The literature on this subject is reviewed.