Highlights
- •Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) metastasis to the external auditory canal is extremely rare
- •Radiographic imaging of NPC serves a critical role in early detection
- •We report a unique case of NPC to the auditory canal with better outcomes than any previous reports
Abstract
Objectives
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare form of squamous cell carcinoma. Primary
NPC is generally treated with radiation and chemotherapy, though recurrence and distant
metastases are common. Reports of noncontiguous metastasis to the middle ear and external
ear canal (EAC) are rare.
Materials and methods
Case presentation of a female patient previously treated for NPC, who developed an
EAC metastasis. A literature review of all reported cases of metastatic NPC in the
middle ear and EAC is also included.
Results
A patient presenting with noncontiguous metastasis of NPC to the EAC was treated with
surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiation. The patient successfully
completed treatment and is currently alive but with suspected distant metastatic disease
at 11 months following treatment.
Conclusions
NPC metastasis to the EAC is extremely rare. Treatment options are varied, and prognosis
is generally poor. The case presented here shows better outcomes than many previous
reports.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 14, 2020
Accepted:
November 11,
2020
Received in revised form:
October 13,
2020
Received:
August 19,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
