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Posters. P19 Cervical carcinoma with metastases to the tympanic membrane: an unusual presentation
Author(s) -
Doran J. R.,
Kamel H. M. H
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
cytopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.512
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1365-2303
pISSN - 0956-5507
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2303.14.s1.1_35.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cervix , cervical cancer , cytology , biopsy , presentation (obstetrics) , cancer , pathology , metastatic carcinoma , squamous carcinoma , radiology , carcinoma
Cervical cytology is mainly part of the National Screening Programme. However, it is not uncommonly used as a diagnostic tool in patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding. We present a case of a middle‐aged female who had a normal screening history but defaulted on her last two smears. She subsequently complained of abnormal, vaginal bleeding. A cervical smear was taken and was reported as showing severe/?invasive squamous carcinoma. This was confirmed by histology. Shortly afterwards she presented with facial nerve palsy. In the course of the investigations, a biopsy was taken from the tympanic membrane and this showed involvement by metastatic squamous carcinoma. Although cervical cancer is recognized for its ability to metastasize to various organs, to our knowledge, this is the first case of reported cervical metastases to the tympanic membrane. This case highlights the importance of the screening programme in detecting cervical cancer, the use of cervical cytology as a diagnostic tool in pathology of the cervix and the ability of cervical cancer to metastasize to unusual anatomical sites.