Temporal bone chondroblastoma: big and small

Chondroblastoma represents approximately one per cent of all primary bone tumours. It is even rarer in the temporal bone and so far only 34 cases have been reported. We report here two cases with chondroblastoma of the temporal bone. The first case was discovered as a small lesion of the attic and root of zygoma. It was removed via mastoidectomy and reconstruction of the bony defect achieved normal external ear canal anatomy and hearing post-operatively. The second case presented as an advanced tumour involving the infratemporal fossa and parapharyngeal space. It was treated surgically via the infratemporal fossa approach. As clear surgical margins were not obtained, post-operative radiotherapy was also given to minimize the chance of recurrence.