A tumor in the temporal bone of the ear may be difficult to treat and requires surgery. Surgical procedures will depend on the type of cancer, location and size of the tumour. Radiation therapy is usually not the first line of treatment due to risks associated with large doses of radiation. Radiation therapy is most often used as a second line of treatment following surgery, which may require less radiation. Surgery performed in the ear canal may be divided into three main types: radical, lateral or localized.
The diagnosis of cancer in the ear usually begins with a physical exam and examination of the affected ear. Your doctor may also request a detailed health history, including any previous skin cancer in general. A small tissue sample is obtained to confirm whether the lump is squamous cell cancer. Surgical treatment of cancer in the ear is often successful in resolving the tumor. It may be difficult to find the exact cause of the tumor, but it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately.
The ear tumor may have different symptoms depending on the type of cancer and the part of the ear affected. Symptoms may include a bump in the outer part of the ear, skin discoloration, or new or altered moles. A healthcare provider may notice a cyst during a routine ear exam and refer you to an audiologist or ENT specialist. The ENT doctor may then perform a biopsy to determine the exact type of cancer present in the ear.
Some people may develop squamous cell carcinoma in the external ear. People who experience chronic ear infections may be more prone to develop it. Both squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinoma are treatable by surgery. Surgical removal of the affected portion of the external ear is needed for more advanced stages. Another type of cancer in the outer ear is melanoma, which is the most deadly and rapidly spreading form of skin cancer.
If the tumor grows in the outer part of the ear, it can spread to the temporal bone, which is the bone in the middle lobe. A skin tumor in the ear usually causes a lump in the ear that can spread to the bones of the temporal bone. People with fair skin are more susceptible to skin cancer. People with xeroderma pigmentosum are also more likely to develop this cancer type.
Basal cell carcinoma is difficult to detect without a biopsy, which is why a biopsied tumor in the ear is recommended. If it is a skin lesion in the area of the ear, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Cancers in the ear may spread to the surrounding tissues, causing a weakened hearing or even hearing. If the cancer spreads to the inner ear, a biopsy may be necessary to determine the type of treatment.
Nasopharyngeal cancer also affects the lymph nodes. The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and vessels that circulates lymph, which contains white blood cells that fight infections. In this case, the tumor may press on the Eustachian tubes, which connect the nasopharynx to the middle ear. This may lead to painful drainage of fluid from the nose and hearing loss. Cancer in the neck can also cause pain and discomfort in the face and the ears.
