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Updated: May 17, 2026
Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
Isolated primary squamous cell carcinoma of the tympanic membrane
Clifton Wijaya1, David S Leonard, John B Kinsella
1St. James's Hospital, ENT/Head & Neck Surgery, Dublin, Ireland; Adelaide and Meath Hospital, ENT/Head & Neck Surgery, Dublin, Ireland.
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.
