Abstract

Background: 
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common primary malignancy affecting the temporal bone, including the external auditory canal, the middle and inner ear.

Methods: 
A literature review.

Results: 
Otorrhea, otalgia, and hearing loss are the most common symptoms of temporal bone tumors and can be easily confused with those of benign diseases. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved through biopsy of the primary lesion and a pathological review. Precise staging requires high-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The modified University of Pittsburgh staging system is the most commonly used system to stage temporal bone malignancies, which is useful for treatment planning and prognostication. Surgery with clear margins remains the main form of therapy for temporal bone cancers.

Conclusions: 
Multidisciplinary head and neck oncology institutional tumor boards are invaluable for optimizing the management of patients with these rare and challenging malignancies.