Factors associated with survival and recurrence of temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma: a single-center clinical...

Temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (TBSCC) is a clinically rare, yet highly aggressive, malignant tumor of the temporal bone, characterized by a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate.

The aim of this study was to assess the survival and recurrence rates of TBSCC patients treated at our institution and to identify factors related to postoperative recurrence and prognosis.

This retrospective study evaluated 81 histologically confirmed TBSCC cases (2000-2020) with follow-up through August 2022. Kaplan-Meier analysis assessed recurrence-free and overall survival, while Cox proportional hazards modeling identified independent prognostic risk factors.

Facial nerve paralysis, tumor invasion of the sigmoid sinus/mastoid, advanced MPB-T staging, dural invasion, and facial nerve involvement are associated with high recurrence rates at 3 and 5 years. Furthermore, advanced MPB-T staging and tumor invasion into the sigmoid sinus/mastoid significantly impact the survival prognosis of patients with TBSCC.

Preoperative facial paralysis and facial nerve invasion indicate a high risk of recurrence, while dural invasion is a strong predictor of relapse. In TBSCC, advanced MPB-T stage and sigmoid sinus/mastoid process invasion correlate with poor prognosis. Precise assessment of tumor subsite and invasion extent is critical in clinical management.