A cancer near the ear can be treated in two ways: surgery or radiation therapy. Treatment for a tumour in this region depends on the size, location and type of cancer. Surgical procedures are often used as the first step, as radiation therapy can have serious side effects if it is applied to a bone in the skull. Surgery for cancer in the ear canal is classified into three types: radical resection, sleeve resection and temporal bone resection.
A tumor in the ear develops when the body makes new cells more quickly than usual, while the old, damaged cells do not die off. These clumps of old and new cells form a tumor. If it spreads to other parts of the body, the tumor becomes cancerous. The risk of getting cancer near the ear is lower if you practice safe sun habits. Some common causes of ear tumors are inherited conditions, repeated exposure to cold water and secondhand smoke.
The temporal bone is the area of the skull above the ear, and ear tumors may start as white or scaly bumps. They may ooze or drain. Patients may also notice pain or drainage from the ear. If these symptoms persist, the patient must consult an ENT specialist for evaluation. A diagnosis should be made as early as possible to reduce the risk of death and other complications. While ear cancers can occur anywhere in the body, they are most common in men and are more common in men than in women.
While most ear cancers start as skin cancers, they can also develop in the eardrum, ear canal, and other structures inside the lobe. These cancers often spread to the mastoid bone, a bony lump behind the ear. About 300 Americans are diagnosed with cancer near the ear every year. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a serious condition – it is rare, and there are only 300 new cases in the United States each year.
Surgical treatment for cancer near the ear involves the removal of the affected portion of the ear. The ear must be carefully examined with otoscope, since biopsy can be difficult and can cause damage to nearby structures. For a skin cancer in the ear canal, a biopsy or other imaging tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis. The cancers in the ear canal are surgically removed, but larger ear tumors require an incision behind the lobe to remove the bone.
A tumor in the nasopharynx may cause pressure on the Eustachian tubes, which connect the nasopharynx and middle ear. If this occurs, you may experience pain and fluid that comes from your ear and may even lead to a nosebleed. This cancer near the ear can cause a range of symptoms, from headaches to hearing loss. However, if you suspect you have cancer in this region, it is best to seek medical attention right away.
