Internal auditory canal metastasis mimicking a vestibular schwannoma at presentation - a case report and review of the literature

Int Semin Surg Oncol. 2009 Mar 31:6:8. doi: 10.1186/1477-7800-6-8.

Abstract

Metastasis to the internal auditory canal from breast carcinoma is extremely rare and difficult to diagnose. It radiologically mimics vestibular schwannoma and can occur as a first manifestation of systemic relapse after a long disease-free interval in patients previously treated for early breast cancer. The diagnosis is usually made retrospectively and the optimal management of such metastasis following complete resection remains undefined.