Benign osteoblastoma of the temporal bone: case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoblastoma is defined as a lesion of bone, which is rich in osteoblasts, well-vascularized, and affects mainly the spinal cord. Although it is benign, it presents malignant features and simulates osteosarcoma. It affects mainly young adults between 20 and 40 years old. It rarely compromises the temporal bone. Objective: To present a rare case in the temporal bone with clinical malignant features whose the anatomopathological study has revealed to be a benign tumor. Method: The patient presented a tumor which affected the middle ear cleft, the mastoid, and the right middle fossa. The patient underwent a surgery and, in association with otorhinolaryngology, the tumor was completely dried out from the middle fossa and the middle ear. Fascia lata was used to repair the dural impairment and an acrylic plate was used to cover the bone impairment. Result: Post-surgery evolved positively, however the acrylic plate has moved itself and has stenosed the right external acoustic meato, which had to be removed 3 years later. The patient has had a good followup, which is still being carried through. Conclusion: Osteoblastoma is a multiform tumor that might affect the temporal bone with malignant features, which simulates osteosarcoma, but, in histological terms, it does not present any malignant signals. However, there is a need for a long post-surgery follow-up.

Keywords

• Neoplasm
• Osteoblastoma
• Temporal bone
• Bone neoplasm