Papillary Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Endolymphatic Sac: A Rare Middle Ear Neoplasm

Glandular neoplasms of the temporal-mastoid region and endolymphatic sac (ELS) are rare, and it is quite challenging to differentiate between an adenoma and an adenocarcinoma. ELS tumors (ELST) usually present with papillary, follicular, or solid patterns and can be further distinguished histologically and through immunohistochemistry. The microscopic features and clinical course of this neoplasm have been comprehensively explained by Heffner, who considered it “low-grade adenocarcinoma of likely ELS origin.” The papillary form more commonly affects females, and it is a more aggressive form of ELST that is destructive and exhibits extensive local spread. The tumor usually has a close association with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, but 11%-30% of the ELST cases develop in individuals without a VHL mutation. ELSTs manifest with headaches, hearing loss, ear discharge, and cranial nerve palsies. Currently, the only available curative therapeutic intervention consists of wide local excision and long-term follow-up. Because of the sensitive location of this tumor, the adjuvant radiotherapy options are still questionable. In this case report, the author presents a 74-year-old woman with a past medical history of Schneiderian papilloma and was diagnosed with papillary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the ELS not associated with VHL disease.