An exceptional localization of esophageal cancer: metastasis to the internal auditory canal

Metastasis to the internal auditory canal (IAC) is rare, representing less than 1% of lesions in this region. We report the case of a 76-year-old man with a history of esophageal adenocarcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy, who presented with progressive dizziness and unilateral hearing loss. Days later, he developed acute left peripheral facial paralysis....

Audiologists and otologists should maintain a low threshold for suspecting cancer metastasis when evaluating unusual or rapidly progressing unilateral inner ear symptoms in patients with a known cancer history — though this single case report does not change general diagnostic protocols.

This exceptionally rare presentation highlights the importance of considering systemic cancer metastasis in the differential diagnosis of internal auditory canal lesions, which can otherwise be mistaken for more common benign or vascular causes.

1. 01Esophageal cancer metastasis to the internal auditory canal is extremely rare (<1% of lesions at that site).
2. 02The patient was a 76-year-old man with known esophageal cancer who developed inner ear symptoms.
3. 03Published as a case report in Oxford Medical Case Reports.
4. 04Internal auditory canal metastasis can mimic acoustic neuroma or other benign conditions.
5. 05Raises awareness for clinicians to consider malignancy in atypical inner ear presentations in cancer patients.

PMID

42422272

DOI

10.1093/omcr/omag103.

Journal

Oxford Medical Case Reports

Publication type

case_report

Evidence level

4

Sample size

1

Population

76-year-old male with esophageal cancer and metastasis to the internal auditory canal

Intervention

Diagnostic evaluation and reporting of esophageal cancer metastasis to the internal auditory canal