Primary middle ear Epstein-Barr virus-related lymphoepithelial carcinoma: case reports and systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To report two cases of primary lymphoepithelial carcinoma in the middle ear and to determine the optimal treatment for such lesions.


METHODS
Case reports and a systematic review of the literature.


RESULTS
Primary lymphoepithelial carcinoma in the middle ear is an exceptionally rare condition with only two other cases reported in the literature. There appears to be an association with Epstein-Barr virus infection and in those patients originating from the Guangdong province of China, much as is the case for similar lesions found in the nasopharynx. Piecemeal rather than en bloc excision, in combination with adjuvant radiotherapy, appears to adequately control the disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the middle ear is a rare lesion, which when treated has a good prognosis.
Clark
Matthew P A
MP
Division of Otolaryngology, Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada.
Westerberg
Brian D
BD
Berean
Kenneth W
KW
D000328:Adult; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D004432:Ear, Middle; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant