Spontaneous Regression of a Middle Ear Melanoma

Abstract

Objective: To describe a case of complete spontaneous regression of a middle ear melanoma.

Patient: We present a case of a 68-year-old man with complaints of unilateral hearing loss and an ipsilateral facial nerve paresis. Radiological and histopathological examination revealed a cT4bN0M0 mucosal melanoma of the middle ear.

Interventions: The patient underwent a subtotal petrosectomy and postoperative radiotherapy.

Main outcome measure: Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography/computed tomography with 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG-PET-CT), and histopathological examination.

Results: After subtotal petrosectomy, histopathological examination of the resection specimen showed only fibrosis and a histiocytic and clonal T-cell infiltration, but no residual melanoma at the primary tumor site, consistent with spontaneous tumor regression. Follow-up MRI scanning 6 and 12 months after radiotherapy showed no signs of tumor recurrence.

Conclusions: This case describes the concept of spontaneous regression of a mucosal melanoma of the middle ear. Spontaneous tumor regression at this location has not been described before.