Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the middle ear: Unpredictable tumor behavior and tendency for recurrence

Rik J L van der Lans, Michelle S D Engel, Johannes A Rijken, Erik F Hensen, Elisabeth Bloemena, Marein van der Torn, Charles R Leemans, Conrad F G M Smit

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Middle ear adenomatous neuroendocrine tumors (MEANTs) are rare temporal bone tumors. This study evaluates its clinical behavior and therapy outcome.

METHOD: Retrospective case review in a tertiary referral center evaluating histopathology, immunohistochemistry, treatment, and outcome.

RESULTS: Nine patients were diagnosed with MEANT. One patient presented with locally invasive tumor and underwent extensive en-bloc tumor resection with adjuvant radiotherapy. Seven of eight patients with locally non-aggressive tumor confined to the tympanomastoid space underwent tumor resection. Two patients were disease-free, five presented recurrence, even after apparent successful surgery. All tumors showed neuroendocrine features. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry did not yield prognostic tumor characteristics.

CONCLUSION: MEANTs are rare tumors with uncertain biological behavior and subsequent unpredictable clinical course. The preferred treatment is complete surgical tumor resection. They have a high tendency for recurrence, irrespective of negative intermediary surgery. As of yet, there are no prognostic biomarkers, including histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1848-1853
Number of pages6
JournalHead & neck
Volume43
Issue number6
Early online date19 Feb 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2021

Keywords

  • adenoma
  • carcinoid
  • mastoid
  • middle ear
  • neuroendocrine tumor

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