There are different types of cancer near the ear. The most common type is basal skin carcinoma. It begins on the ear in a scaly area and then develops into a pearly white bump that grows slowly and is painless. Over time, this lump can turn into an ulcer. If left untreated, it can spread to the inner ear and cause pain, loss of hearing, and even facial paralysis.
Radiation therapy is usually not the primary treatment for cancer near the ear. It is risky, and excessive doses can cause severe side effects. Treatment usually begins with surgery. Surgical methods for the ear canal include radical temporal bone resection, lateral temporal bone resection, and laparoscopic surgery. The type of surgery that is used is dependent on the location of the tumor. Once surgery is completed, the patient may receive radiation therapy.
If the cancer is located inside the ear, surgery is the most common method of treatment. The cancer is removed via surgery, but the doctor may remove part of the bone or skin to ensure the removal of the tumor. However, the cancer in the inner ear cannot be biopsyed without damaging surrounding structures. Imaging studies are also necessary for the diagnosis of cancer near the ear. However, radiation therapy is only recommended if the tumor has spread to the middle ear.
Chemotherapy is another option for treating cancer near the ear. Chemotherapy is an outpatient treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells in the body. Although chemotherapy does not cure cancer, it can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence. If you are diagnosed with cancer near the ear, your health care provider will recommend the right treatment for you. He will discuss your treatment options and your prognosis with you.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer near the ear. It affects the basal layer cells in the epidermis. Squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to spread than basal cell cancer, but it can still be detected early. In most cases, you will be cured after treatment if diagnosed early. If you suspect you have cancer near the ear, consult your doctor immediately. You can also get a biopsy of the affected tissue if you are concerned that it might be cancer.
A health care provider will examine you and run blood tests to confirm your diagnosis. If the biopsy is positive, the doctor will perform a skin biopsy to determine the type of cancer. A pathologist examines the sample under a microscope to make a diagnosis. The ear biopsy may require local anesthesia, while a biopsy of the middle ear may require general anesthesia. A health care provider may also order a CT scan or MRI scan to determine the type of cancer you have and to decide on the most appropriate treatment.
Despite their rarity, there are many symptoms associated with cancer near the ear. The ear is sensitive and often causes hearing loss, but it can also be a cause of pulsating sounds in the ear synchronized with the heart. Some people are more susceptible to developing certain types of ear cancer than others. Some of these tumors are caused by genetic abnormalities. For instance, glomus tumors run in families.
