While rare, they can be challenging to detect and treat. The most common types are squamous cell carcinomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas, which develop from the earwax glands. Other types of cancers may develop from repeated exposure to cold water or from exposure to secondhand smoke. In addition to hearing loss, cancer in the ear can spread to other parts of the body.
In order to diagnose a cancer near the ear, a health care provider will look at the ear and may perform blood tests. A skin biopsy may be required if a mass is suspected. A pathologist will examine the sample under a microscope and make a diagnosis. If a biopsy is not possible, a CT scan or MRI scan may be ordered. Scan results from the biopsy may be useful in determining the type of treatment needed.
Treatment of cancer near the ear is different for different types. Surgical methods vary depending on the location and type of tumor. Most tumours can be removed with excisional biopsies. Wide margins are required for aggressive squamous cell tumours because they are more likely to spread to lymph nodes. Afterwards, regular follow-up is recommended. There is a wide range of surgical procedures for cancer near the ear.
The symptoms of acoustic neuromas are similar to those of other conditions. A physician must consider a person’s health history to determine whether they have cancer in general or ear cancer specifically. A small tissue sample is also collected to confirm if the tumor is a squamous cell carcinoma. If the biopsy proves that cancer is the cause of the hearing loss, a hearing aid is necessary. And remember that early diagnosis is the best treatment.
Two common types of cancer near the ear are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinomas originate in the cells of the epidermis and are much less aggressive than squamous cell cancers. Basal cell cancers in the ear often extend silently beyond the visible tumour and temporal bone. The treatment for basal cell cancer in the ear should be focused on treating the lesion while it is still small.
In some cases, people with ear cancer may have other forms of the disease. Middle ear cancers may be caused by the human papilloma virus. Radiation therapy to the head and neck region is also known to increase the risk of ear cancer. The symptoms of ear cancer depend on the location of the cancer, but they include a spot or sore on the ear flap. Cancers in the ear may also cause ulceration and bleeding.
People with light skin are at an increased risk for ear cancer. In addition to exposure to UV rays, excessive skin pigmentation may increase the likelihood of developing ear cancer. Other factors associated with ear cancer include frequent ear infections and prolonged exposure to the sun. Some types of cancer are more common in older people, with the most common type being squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone. A doctor may use a combination of radiation and surgery to treat the condition.
