Referred otalgia in patients with thyroid cancer: Case series from Saudi Arabia

Introduction and importance: Referred Otalgia is very unlikely to be the first presentation of thyroid carcinoma, however, it is important to examine thyroid in cases of otalgia lacking any evidence of primary origin.

Case presentation: We report five cases of thyroid carcinoma, variant types, presented by secondary otalgia in Al-Baha region, KSA followed by proper surgery and patient relief during the last eight years. Patients' ages ranged from 25 to 65 years old.

Clinical discussion: Thyroid inflammation, including acute and subacute thyroiditis, was reported as a possible cause of the pain referred to the ear and the angle of the mandible, however otalgia caused by thyroid cancer is an extremely rare presentation.

Conclusion: Otolaryngologists should be aware that thyroid cancer may be associated with otalgia in any age group, however extremely rare. With very limited sources for this clinical entity, we recommend further studies on the different varieties of thyroid cancer presentations and the possibilities of the unexplained otalgia.