Metastatic carcinoma of the temporal bone

Metastatic carcinoma of the temporal bone is rare and often not recognized because it can be either asymptomatic or overshadowed by other metastases late in the disease course. Metastatic evaluation does not usually include temporal bone imaging, and the temporal bone is not routinely sectioned at autopsy, further contributing to unreported metastases. Two case reports of metastasis to the internal auditory canal are presented, as well as a review of 139 such patients reported in the world literature. Analysis includes types of tumor, specific sites of secondary malignancy within the temporal bone, and manifestations. Although uncommon, metastatic carcinoma of the temporal bone must be included in the different diagnosis of any cochleovestibular or facial nerve disorder.