Facial nerve palsy as the presenting feature of metastatic prostatic cancer in the temporal bone

Abstract

Metastasis of malignant tumors to the temporal bone is relatively rare. We report a case of facial nerve palsy due to the metastatic prostatic cancer to the temporal bone with favorable and functional results. A 76-year-old man with no history of malignant tumor was referred to our hospital with a complaint of right facial nerve palsy. Based on radiological findings and a biopsy from the prostate, the patient was finally diagnosed as having metastatic prostatic cancer to the right temporal bone. More than 18 months had passed after start of the hormonal therapy, the metastatic lesion of the temporal bone had diminished, and the facial nerve palsy gradually improved. The present case suggests that favorable and functional results even in advanced metastatic prostatic cancers to temporal bone, if hormonal therapy is effective. We must keep in mind the possibility of metastatic tumor in the treatment of facial nerve palsy.