Presence of Epstein-Barr virus in lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the middle ear

J Clin Pathol. 1998 Aug;51(8):602-5. doi: 10.1136/jcp.51.8.602.

Abstract

Aim: To examine the association of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with carcinoma of the ear.

Methods: Five non-keratinising squamous cell carcinomas and two undifferentiated carcinomas of the ear were examined. In situ hybridisation was used to localised EBV-encoded RNAs (EBER). Immunohistochemical methods to detect LMP-1 and EBNA2 were performed in the EBER positive cases.

Results: Two cases were EBER positive, including one non-keratinising and one undifferentiated carcinoma. Both showed identical morphology to those arising from the nasopharynx, with abundant lymphoid stroma. They were both negative for LMP-1 and EBNA2.

Conclusions: EBV associated carcinoma with the morphology of lymphoepithelioma can also arise from the middle ear.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / virology*
  • Ear Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Ear Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ear Neoplasms / virology*
  • Ear, Middle*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed