Distant metastases from ear and temporal bone cancer.

Cancers of the temporal bone are rare. Cervical metastases occur in approximately 10% of cases and are much more likely once disease extends beyond the confines of the temporal bone. Nonlymphatic spread of squamous cell carcinoma is usually a late event resulting in metastatic deposits in the lung, bone, liver and brain. This chapter discusses detection of distant metastases and provides a recommended schedule for interval patient evaluation.