Squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone - A radiographic-pathologic correlation

Objective: To assess the utility of a previously proposed staging system fo r patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 15 patients treated for squamous cel l carcinoma of the temporal bone over a 13-year period at an academic terti ary referral center. A review of the medical and surgical records, radiogra phic studies, and surgical pathology reports allowed for an evaluation of t he 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 Unive rsity of Pittsburgh staging system correlated in 11 (73%) of 15 cases. The radiographic staging system was more accurate for larger (T3/T4) tumors tha n for smaller (T1/T2) tumors (83% vs 67%). When compared with patients with no evidence of disease, nonsurvivors were more likely to present with otal gia (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 sys tem closely correlates with patient outcome and is more sensitive than preo perative radiographic staging. Prognosis in squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone is largely determined by the extent of local disease at the t ime of presentation.