Challenges in Diagnosis and Management of Mastoid Osteosarcoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND

We report a case of osteosarcoma of the mastoid process.

METHODS

The tumor was identified after the patient presented with progressive hearing loss 5 years after radiotherapy treatment for parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma. A CT scan revealed a mass invading the middle ear and mastoid process. The diagnosis of osteosarcoma was confirmed by biopsy.

RESULTS

The mass was surgically excised, and the patient was treated with postoperative cisplatin and doxorubicin. The patient also developed a postauricular abscess that was treated with incision and drainage and antibiotics. This abscess ultimately resolved, and the patient is otherwise well postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates the extent to which osteosarcomas can invade into surrounding tissues as this one had reached the middle ear. Moreover, this case highlights the need for multicenter studies to develop an approach to treatment of these rare tumors as they are not well studied currently.