Primary inverted papilloma of the middle ear with intracranial invasion

Background Primary inverted papillomas of the middle ear are extremely rare tumors, with only few cases published in the literature. They have a characteristic epithelium surface inversion to the inside of the stroma. Inverted papillomas are benign lesions but have a high propensity of recurrence, local aggressiveness, and association with malignancy. Methods We present a patient with an inverted papilloma originating in the middle ear producing chronic otorrhea and facial nerve palsy treated with a subtotal petrosectomy. Results During the follow-up, the patient developed an intracranial invasion of the tumor causing his death. Conclusion Primary inverted papillomas of the middle ear can have an extremely aggressive behavior despite their benign characteristics; therefore, an aggressive treatment must be performed in order to minimize the possibility of recurrence. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2015