Giant-Cell Tumors of the Temporal Bone: Management Strategies

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the current management options for giant-cell tumors (GCTs) involving the temporal bone and present two case reports and a review of the literature. METHOD: In a tertiary-care academic medical center, two patients with GCTs of the temporal bone were evaluated and managed. The patients underwent gross total resection and curettage of GCTs involving the temporal bone. Afterward, both patients were evaluated for postoperative complications as well as for recurrence. RESULTS: Two patients underwent operative excision using curettage. Clinical and radiographic studies demonstrated no evidence of recurrence with 3 years of follow-up in one patient and 10 years of follow-up in the second patient. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we concluded that gross total removal and curettage of GCTs in the temporal bone is a viable treatment option. This finding is contrary to previous studies.