Isolated primary squamous cell carcinoma of the tympanic membrane

INTRODUCTION: Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tympanic membrane is exceptionally rare. We describe the history, investigation and management of this disease. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 68-year-old woman presented with a three month history of intermittent otorrhoea and external ear canal (EAC) pruritus. Otoscopy revealed a polypoidal granular nodule, confined to the posterior aspect of the tympanic membrane. Examination under anaesthesia (EUA) confirmed that the lesion was confined to the tympanic membrane, with a surrounding rim of normal drum. Biopsies were consistent with well differentiated SCC. DISCUSSION: Following discussion at multi-disciplinary team meeting for treatment planning, the patient underwent lateral temporal bone resection with ipsilateral superficial parotidectomy and selective neck dissection. Post-operative histology confirmed an SCC confined to the tympanic membrane. CONCLUSION: SCC of the tympanic membrane is an extremely rare condition. As with early temporal bone SCC, surgical resection with adjacent structure clearance remains the primary treatment modality.