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

Abstract

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.