Middle Ear Carcinoma Masquerading as an Aural Polyp

Abstract

Objective: To present a case of middle ear carcinoma masquerading as an aural polyp and describe our experience with the clinical presentation, management and outcome of an elderly patient with this pathology. Methods: Design: Case Report Setting: Tertiary Public Hospital Patients: One Result: A 63-year-old female presented with an aural polyp and preceding symptoms of inner ear disturbances followed by otorrhea and otalgia. CT scans revealed an erosive lesion occupying the entire middle ear cleft, external ear canal and mastoid cavity with involvement of inner structures. A repeat biopsy subsequently revealed malignancy leading to a diagnosis of middle ear carcinoma. The patient was offered surgical treatment but opted for radiotherapy and subsequently defaulted follow-up. Conclusion: Middle ear carcinoma is rare and can masquerade as a benign aural polyp. Symptoms of severe otalgia and inner ear disturbances are indicators of possible malignancy, as are recent-onset symptoms of otitis media developing over a relatively short course later in life. A high index of suspicion is needed to avoid late diagnosis. Repeat deeper aural tissue biopsy is needed to exclude malignancy. Computed tomography imaging is indispensable in delineating tumor extent and aids in tumor staging as well as prognostication. Surgical resection with clear tumor margins, followed by postoperative radiotherapy, is the preferred choice of treatment. Sole radiotherapy is reserved for tumors of small volume as well as in cases where surgery is not feasible. Keywords: Middle ear carcinoma; aural polyp; temporal bone carcinoma

Keywords

• Middle ear carcinoma; aural polyp; temporal bone carcinoma