Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Mastoid Antrum and Attic Extending to Middle Cranial Fossa: A Case Report

Malignancy of the middle ear and mastoid antrum is rare. These malignancies are less than 1%of all head-andneck malignancies. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common among all malignant tumours. Squamous cell carcinoma of the middle ear and chronic suppurative otitis media may co-exist but no definitive correlation has been proven. Here we are presenting a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the mastoid antrum and attic in 55 year old male patient with history of chronic suppurative otitis media tubotympanic disease since childhood. Patient presented with ear discharge, vertigo, severe hearing loss, facial paralysis and headache. A provisional diagnosis of chronic suppurative otitis media with mastoid mass extending to middle cranial fossa was made. Mastoidexploration was done. Biopsy was taken and sent for histopathological examination. Biopsy specimen revealed moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, which was treated with primary palliative radiotherapy. Aim of this case report is to suspect these malignancies early and to bring clinicians attention to the possibility of coexistence of chronic suppurative otitis media and squamous cell carcinoma of ear. This report emphasizes the need of histopathological examination of tissue after mastoid exploration. This case report highlights advanced stage of disease at presentation. It also highlights the dilemma of diagnosis and management of mastoid and middle ear malignancy.