Isolated primary squamous cell carcinoma of the tympanic membrane.

INTRODUCTION

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tympanic membrane is exceptionally rare. We describe the history, investigation and management of this disease.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 68-year-old woman presented with a three month history of intermittent otorrhoea and external ear canal (EAC) pruritus. Otoscopy revealed a polypoidal granular nodule, confined to the posterior aspect of the tympanic membrane. Examination under anaesthesia (EUA) confirmed that the lesion was confined to the tympanic membrane, with a surrounding rim of normal drum. Biopsies were consistent with well differentiated SCC.

DISCUSSION: Following discussion at multi-disciplinary team meeting for treatment planning, the patient underwent lateral temporal bone resection with ipsilateral superficial parotidectomy and selective neck dissection. Post-operative histology confirmed an SCC confined to the tympanic membrane.

CONCLUSION

SCC of the tympanic membrane is an extremely rare condition. As with early temporal bone SCC, surgical resection with adjacent structure clearance remains the primary treatment modality.