A Case of Isolated Temporal Bone Metastasis in a Lung Cancer Patient with a History of Otitis Media

Abstract

Metastatic carcinoma involving the temporal bone is an unusual occurrence. Symptoms of hearing loss, vertigo, facial nerve paralysis, and tinnitus overlap those of chronic mastoiditis, and correct diagnosis may be delayed. A case of solitary distant metastasis of lung cancer to the temporal bone presenting as acute unilateral facial palsy complicating preexisting chronic otomastoiditis is reported. When a known cancer patient whose primary disease is controlled presents with otologic symptoms and a history of chronic mastoid infection, metastatic carcinoma of the temporal bone must be considered as an uncommon, but possible diagnosis