Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Temporal Bone Arising from Cholesteatoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Objective Present a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone (SCCTB) arising in a 61-year-old female with a prior history of cholesteatoma and persistent otologic symptoms and review the current literature regarding this disease presentation. Setting Tertiary academic center. Patient A 61-year-old female with a history of left ear cholesteatoma for which she had undergone surgery 54 years prior. The patient presented with a persistent history of otorrhea since first surgery and developed exacerbation of symptoms just prior to presentation at our department. The clinical picture was highly suspicious of cholesteatoma recurrence. However, the biopsy was consistent with squamous cell carcinoma. Intervention Surgical debulking of the lesion was followed by a brief course of radiation therapy later halted by the patient due to side effect intolerance. Conclusion SCCTB may arise from cholesteatoma. A high index of suspicion for SCCTB should be maintained in patients with a prior history of cholesteatoma and evidence of a temporal bone mass with persistent otologic symptoms.