Facial nerve paralysis as first sign of metastatic breast cancer to the temporal bone

Abstract

Introduction. Facial nerve paralysis originates from various factors, although in most cases etiology is idiopathic. Temporal bone metastases are quite rare, but should still be suspected in cases when congenital disorders, inflammatory disease, infection or trauma are excluded as cause of facial palsy. We present an unusual case of facial nerve paralysis as the initial sign of temporal bone metastasis of breast carcinoma and discuss diagnostic pitfalls. Case outline. A 70-year-old patient presented with facial nerve palsy, severe otalgia, hearing loss and vertigo. Patient underwent steroid treatment 6 months earlier due to peripheral facial palsy with complete neurological resolution. CT scan revealed osteolytic lesion of the right temporal bone with extension into the parietal bone and soft-tissue. Additional examination confirmed ductal breast carcinoma and osteolysis of the ribs and vertebrae. After four months, the patient with metastatic breast carcinoma to the temporal bone died despite chemotherapy. Conclusion. Temporal bone metastasis of breast cancer is very rare condition with poor prognosis. Late diagnosis and inadequate management of breast cancer are factors that contribute to the temporal bone metastasis formation. Temporal bone metastasis should be excluded in elderly patients, both with and without any history of malignancy, especially in cases of peripheral facial palsy refractory to treatment.

Keywords

• breast neoplasms
• neoplasm metastasis
• facial paralysis
• temporal bone