Squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone: a radiographic-pathologic correlation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of a previously proposed staging system for patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone.

METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 15 patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone over a 13-year period at an academic tertiary referral center. A review of the medical and surgical records, radiographic studies, and surgical pathology reports allowed for an evaluation of the University of Pittsburgh staging system. Outcome analysis was performed on 13 patients with more than 24 months of follow-up.

RESULTS: Radiographic and surgical pathology staging according to the University of Pittsburgh staging system correlated in 11 (73%) of 15 cases. The radiographic staging system was more accurate for larger (T3/T4) tumors than for smaller (T1/T2) tumors (83% vs 67%). When compared with patients with no evidence of disease, nonsurvivors were more likely to present with otalgia (67% vs 43%), facial nerve paralysis (33% vs 0%), and T3/T4 tumors (100% vs 14%).

CONCLUSIONS: Pathologic staging by the University of Pittsburgh staging system closely correlates with patient outcome and is more sensitive than preoperative radiographic staging. Prognosis in squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone is largely determined by the extent of local disease at the time of presentation.