Metastases to temporal bones from primary nonsystemic malignant neoplasms.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Metastasis to the temporal bone is a rare but significant complication of cancer.
• Previous reports on temporal bone metastases lack comprehensive histopathological and clinical data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare histopathological and clinical findings of temporal bone metastases with existing literature.
• To determine the prevalence of temporal bone metastases in patients with non-systemic cancer.
• To identify common primary tumor types and patterns of spread to the temporal bone.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of autopsy records from 864 patients.
• Histopathological evaluation of temporal bones for metastasis and tumor characteristics.
• Review of clinical records for demographic data, clinical course, and otologic manifestations.

Main Results:

• 47 out of 212 patients (22.2%) with non-systemic cancer had temporal bone metastases.
• Breast cancer was the most common primary tumor.
• Hearing loss was the most frequent otologic symptom (40%), but 36% had no symptoms.
• Metastases were bilateral in 62% of cases, commonly spread hematogenously to the petrous apex (82.9%).
• No temporal bone involvement was observed when the primary tumor was adequately treated.

Conclusions:

• Temporal bone metastases are more frequent than previously reported.
• Adequate treatment of the primary tumor appears to prevent temporal bone metastasis.
• Metastatic disease should be considered in patients with hearing loss and a history of cancer.