Functional treatment of temporal bone chondroblastoma: retrospective analysis of 3 cases

Purpose To describe and analyse functional treatment of temporal bone chondroblastoma (TBCh). Methods From January 2000 to June 2019, at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France, patients with TBCh were enrolled in this study. All cases routinely performed pre-operatory work-up including evaluation of performance status, audio-vestibular function test, ear endoscopy, contrasted CT scan and MRI of head and neck region; in one case we also performed an angio-CT scan. All patients underwent resection of the tumour with a “functional” approach Results Three male patients (mean age 46,6 years)—two primary tumours and one recurrence—were treated. In all three cases the tumour invaded the middle ear with a variable degree of hearing loss and infiltration of temporal bone structures. All surgeries were performed with a microscopic approach associated with open/endoscopic approach when necessary. Inner ear and facial nerve were speared in all cases and the TMJ was partially resected in 2 cases due to its moderate involvement. At present, after a mean follow-up of 103 months (range 40–225 months), only one case presented recurrence which has been successfully treated with radiotherapy. Conclusions Our results of treatment suggest that functional surgery can be relevant in the management of TBCh since it is focused on both treatment of this pathology and maintenance of a good quality of life.