Recurrent Middle Ear Cancer: Case Report

Background: Middle ear cancer is clinically uncommon, representing approximately 1.5% of ear malignancies and 0.03% to 0.06% of all cancers. Recurrent cases of middle ear cancer are particularly rare. This report discusses a patient with middle ear cancer who experienced invasive growth into surrounding tissues and developed a large cancerous ulcer post-resection. Case Summary: A 72-year-old male underwent a subtotal resection of the right temporal bone in February 2021, diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the middle ear. Regrettably, he did not receive follow-up medical care after surgery. In June 2022, he returned to the hospital with complaints of pus and bleeding from a mass behind his ear. Further examinations led to a diagnosis of recurrent middle ear cancer with extensive local infiltration. We initiated a combination treatment comprising targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and local application of rhGM-CSF. The patient showed remarkable sensitivity to this treatment plan, evidenced by a significant reduction in the mass and discharge behind the ear within a week. After two cycles of combined targeted therapy and chemotherapy, the treatment's effectiveness was assessed as PR (partial response) via magnetic resonance imaging. As of August 2023, the patient remains in stable condition. Conclusion: For such a recurrent middle ear cancer with giant cancerous ulcer, we suggest do not neglect local treatment while giving anti-tumor treatment.