Squamous Cell Cancer of the Middle Ear

Squamous cell tumors of the middle ear are very uncommon. Most patients who present with squamous cell tumors are known to have chronic ear infections. The correlation between the infections and tumors is still undetermined. Symptoms include pain, hearing loss, facial paralysis, and bleeding for an extended time. The only way to diagnose these tumors is by a biopsy of the tissue. Once the biopsy report comes back positive for malignancy, a MRI or CT must be attained before surgery may be performed. These modalities allow the surgeon to know the extent of the tumor. A MRI can be used to see the extent of the tumor into soft tissues. More importantly the parotid gland and the dura of the brain. Once the tumor has spread to the dura, chances of curing squamous cell cancer are not promising. CT scans can show the extensive damage to the surrounding bones. The prognosis for patients depends on how invasive the cancer has become. Squamous cell cancer of the middle ear can be fatal if left untreated. Once diagnosed patients are rushed into surgery. The treatment plan will also include radiation therapy.

Glioblastomas

I decided to write about glioblasotomas. Hearing about Ted Kennedy passing away, and my experience with patients who come in for MRI scans, made me want to learn more about them. Glioblastomas are the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor. Symptoms are directly related to the location of the tumor. Most brain tumors are asymptomatic until they have grown. Symptoms may include but are not limited too seizures, progressive memory loss, headache, and personality changes. MRI is the modality of choice when it comes to diagnosing glioblastomas. These tumors appear as ring enhancing lesions post contrast. Multiple scelerosis, absessess, and metastatic cancer also display ring like enhancement post contrast, so a biopsy is needed. Surgery is the first option due to the fact most patients need relief from what structure the tumor is pressing on. Radiation and chemotherapy are also utilized during the treatment plan. Unfortunately glioblastomas often grow back within or near the original site of the brain. With that being said the prognosis for patients with glioblastomas are not favorable. Patients who choose to not have any treatments have a survival rate of about five months. Patients who choose to have surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may live up to fifteen months. Obviously with any type of cancer, early or late detection, patients age, health and size of tumor may change these outcomes listed above.