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Skull Base 2004; 14(1): 39-46
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-821361
CASE REPORT

Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA

Verrucous Carcinoma of the Temporal Bone: A Wolf Clothed in Wool

Jonathon Michael Pleat1 , Michael Bradley2 , Antonio Orlando3 , Howard Rigby4
  • 1Burns and Reconstructive Surgery Research Trust, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
  • 2Department of Radiology, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol N.H.S. Trust, Avon, United Kingdom
  • 3Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Frenchay Hospital, North Bristol N.H.S. Trust, United Kingdom
  • 4Department of Histopathology, Frenchay Hospital, North Bristol N.H.S. Trust, Avon, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2004 (online)

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Verrucous carcinomas are rare tumors that predominantly affect the head and neck region. A paradox of slow, aggressive invasion, apparent lymphadenopathy, yet seemingly bland histopathology, they can beguile unwary clinicians into multiple diagnostic biopsies and regional lymphadenectomy. We report a rare verrucous carcinoma of the temporal bone associated with extensive destruction around the skull base. Placed in the context of the few reports involving this site, extratemporal spread may be associated with a uniformly poor prognosis regardless of the treatment modality. Given new insights into the pathophysiology of this tumor, palliative radiotherapy may be a more appropriate primary treatment compared with the significant local morbidity associated with surgery.

KEYWORDS

Carcinoma - verrucous - temporal bone - otitis media

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Jonathon Michael PleatM.A. M.R.C.S. 

Burns and Reconstructive Surgery Research Trust, Stoke Mandeville Hospital

Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

HP21 8AL, United Kingdom

Email: jonathon.pleat@talk21.com