Role of radiotherapy in a recurrent aneurysmal bone cyst of the temporal bone: case report.

Abstract

A rare case of aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the temporal bone is presented which, following recurrence after surgery, was successfully treated with radiotherapy. The role of radiotherapy in such cases is reviewed. A 30-year-old man presented with a recurrent swelling and pain in right temporal region following surgery for ABC at that site. Local radiotherapy to a dose of 31.5 Gy in 18 fractions over 3.5 weeks was delivered to the site of recurrence. The patient had a near total regression of the ABC as evident clinically and on radiological images. To the best of our knowledge, radiation for the recurrent ABC at the temporal bone has not been described in the literature. However, in view of the response evident in this patient, radiotherapy seems to be effective for recurrent cases of ABC at the temporal bone and a dose of around 30 to 36 Gy could be effectively delivered with satisfactory results.