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Spontaneous Regression of a Middle Ear Melanoma
Iris Krebbers1,2, Henricus P M Kunst1,3,4, Laura W J Baijens1,2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Academic Alliance Skullbase Pathology MUMC+ - Radboudumc Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Objective:
To describe a case of complete spontaneous regression of a middle ear melanoma.
Patient:
We present a case of a 68-year-old man with complaints of unilateral hearing loss and an ipsilateral facial nerve paresis. Radiological and histopathological examination revealed a cT4bN0M0 mucosal melanoma of the middle ear.
Interventions:
The patient underwent a subtotal petrosectomy and postoperative radiotherapy.
Main Outcome Measure:
Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography/computed tomography with 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG-PET-CT), and histopathological examination.
Results:
After subtotal petrosectomy, histopathological examination of the resection specimen showed only fibrosis and a histiocytic and clonal T-cell infiltration, but no residual melanoma at the primary tumor site, consistent with spontaneous tumor regression. Follow-up MRI scanning 6 and 12 months after radiotherapy showed no signs of tumor recurrence.
Conclusions:
This case describes the concept of spontaneous regression of a mucosal melanoma of the middle ear. Spontaneous tumor regression at this location has not been described before.
