Persistent otorrhoea with an abnormal tympanic membrane secondary to squamous cell carcinoma of the tympanic membrane.

OBJECTIVE

The authors present an extremely rare case of carcinoma of the tympanic membrane.

METHOD

A case report and review of the literature concerning carcinoma of the tympanic membrane and temporal bone are presented and discussed.

RESULTS

The authors present a patient with recurrent otorrhoea and an abnormal tympanic membrane. Biopsy was inconclusive, but resection demonstrated squamous cell carcinoma of the tympanic membrane. We also discuss the investigation, diagnosis, natural history and management of this rare condition, as well as the staging and management of tumours of the temporal bone and the differences between these closely related but prognostically different entities.

CONCLUSION

This rare entity can be managed by primary surgical resection if there is no evidence of metastasis.