Mount Sinai neurotologists and head and neck surgical oncologists are experts in the treatment of cancers that invade the external, middle, and inner ear and often work together to treat these challenging cases. These lesions often come from the parotid gland (mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, etc) or skin of the ear (squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma) and may or may not cause hearing loss and facial paralysis.
Lateral temporal bone resection refers to a surgical procedure in which the ear canal is removed along with the ear drum, malleus, and incus. The ear canal is typically closed off/sewn shut. The facial nerve runs through the temporal bone, which houses the ear, and may be affected by the tumor. In these cases, it is the job of the ear surgeon to find the nerve in the temporal bone and make sure any bit of the nerve with cancer in it is removed. Once a cancer-free section is identified, plastic surgeons can perform nerve grafts and other techniques to reanimate the face. This may include placing an eyelid weight to help the eye close, tensor fascia lata sling, brow lift, ectropion repair, cross-face nerve grafts, or XII-VII jump grafts.
After temporal bone resection, patients are expected to have conductive hearing loss. They will often undergo placement of a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA, Bonebridge, OSIA) to restore their hearing.
George Wanna, MD, FACS Chair of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai and Mount Sinai Beth Israel Chief, Division of Otology-Neurotology Mount Sinai Health System Professor of Otolaryngology, and Neurosurgery Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Maura K. Cosetti, MD Director, Ear Institute at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary (NYEE) of Mount Sinai Director, Cochlear Implant Program Mount Sinai Health System
Enrique R. Perez, MD, MBA Director of Otology-Neurotology The Mount Sinai Hospital Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology Mount Sinai Health System
Zachary G. Schwam, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Division of Otology-Neurotology, Lateral Skull Base Surgery Mount Sinai Health System
