Melanoma of the middle ear: initial presentation, Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging and follow up.

BACKGROUND

We present a rare case of primary mucosal melanoma of the middle ear imaged with 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT).

METHOD: Clinical, radiological, intra-operative and histological findings are discussed.

RESULTS

An 88-year-old woman presented with intermittent otorrhoea of the left ear for several months. Otoscopy revealed a livid protrusion of the tympanic membrane. Melanoma was not suspected initially, but was established on transmembranous biopsy. Pre-operative 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed a mass lesion in the left tympanic cavity with high fluoro-deoxyglucose uptake, as well as an ipsilateral intraparotid lymph node metastasis. The patient underwent surgical treatment. The diagnosis of melanoma was confirmed histologically.

CONCLUSION

In this rare case, clinical, radiological and surgical findings led to the diagnosis of a primary mucosal melanoma of the middle ear.