The physician will also take a health history, including a history of skin or general cancer. A small tissue sample is usually taken to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options will depend on the stage of the tumor. Treatment options for cancer near the ear include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Here are some possible causes of cancer near the ear.
A tumor in the ear may be a sign of a cancer of the ear, but it’s rare to find this condition on your own. Cancer near the ear may develop in the skin, and in some cases, it may invade the cartilage. The presence of collagenase 3 or matrix metalloprotases may contribute to tumor invasion. In one case, the cancer had invaded the posterior ear skin.
Although ear cancer is not as common as other types of skin cancer, it’s important to get proper screening and treatment for a non-healing ulcer. The skin cancer is most likely to develop in the concha, which is located on the exposed rim of the ear. The more worrisome types of the disease are those that develop in the concha and back surface of the ear. As these types of cancer tend to spread quickly, the sooner it’s detected, the better the chances of its successful treatment.
When cancer in the ear has spread, doctors may decide to perform a CT scan or MRI. The treatment for ear cancer will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Surgery and radiation are the main methods for treating basal cell cancer. However, the spread of the disease will also affect the treatment options for squamous cell cancers. MRIs may also be recommended if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor will need to examine your entire ear to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor will take a sample of cancerous tissue. The pathologist will examine the sample to determine the type and stage of cancer. A biopsy can also help determine whether the cancer is benign or malignant. Cancerous cells may be difficult to remove, so the patient may need a general anaesthetic. If the cancer is not a serious threat, the treatment will be focused on preserving the function of the ear and treating the symptoms.
The most common types of cancer near the ear are squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinomas, which are the most common type of ear cancer, rarely spread to other parts of the body. Although they do not spread very far, basal cell carcinomas still need to be treated for disfigurement. If the cancer spreads, it may eventually move to the temporal bone.
