Giant cell tumor of the temporal bone – a case report

BACKGROUND Giant cell tumor is a benign but locally aggressive bone neoplasm which uncommonly involves the skull. The petrous portion of the temporal bone forms a rare location for this tumor. CASE PRESENTATION The authors report a case of a large giant cell tumor involving the petrous and squamous portions of the temporal bone in a 26 year old male patient. He presented with right side severe hearing loss and facial paresis. Radical excision of the tumor was achieved but facial palsy could not be avoided. CONCLUSION Radical excision of skull base giant cell tumor may be hazardous but if achieved is the optimal treatment and may be curative.