Giant cell tumor of the temporal bone - A case report

Abstract

Background: Giant cell tumor is a benign but locally aggressive bone neoplasm which uncommonly involves the skull. The petrous portion of the temporal bone forms a rare location for this tumor. Case presentation: The authors report a case of a large giant cell tumor involving the petrous and squamous portions of the temporal bone in a 26 year old male patient. He presented with right side severe hearing loss and facial paresis. Radical excision of the tumor was achieved but facial palsy could not be avoided. Conclusion: Radical excision of skull base giant cell tumor may be hazardous but if achieved is the optimal treatment and may be curative. © 2005 Pai et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.