Cáncer de Conducto Auditivo Externo y Oído Medio, Experiencia Local

Abstract

Abstract:

Introduction: External auditory canal (EAC) and middle ear cancer is a rare pathology, difficult to diagnose and with a poor prognosis.

Aim: To describe the cases of EAC and/or middle ear cancer at the Barros Luco Trudeau Hospital between the years 2004 – 2021.

Materials and methods: Retrospective study. Data obtained from the electronic record of the Pathological Anatomy Service. Biopsies of “EAC and/or middle ear cancer” were searched between the years 2004-2021, and their clinical records were reviewed.

Results: 14 cases, 9 women and 5 men. The average age of presentation was 63 years. The most frequent presenting symptom was hearing loss (85.7%). 13/14 cases corresponded to primary cancer, of which 76.9% were squamous cell carcinoma. All underwent contrast ear tomography, the most frequent finding of which was bone erosion (71.4%). Most patients were in advanced stages, and were managed with lateral temporal bone resection, suprafacial parotidectomy, and cervical dissection. Overall survival was less than 50% at 2 years, regardless of tumor stage.

Conclusion: This is a rare pathology. To date, there are few reports in the literature and there is a lack of consensus for its management. Diagnostic suspicion is essential, especially in otological pathologies that do not respond to usual treatments. The imaging study is crucial, and its diagnostic confirmation is histological. It generally occurs in advanced stages. The treatment is fundamentally surgical and can be associated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Keywords: ear cancer, external auditory canal, middle ear, otology, oncology.