If you’re wondering if cancer near the ear has spread to your lymph nodes, you should be aware of the possible treatments. Surgery can remove the cancer by surgically removing the entire tumor, but some patients may require additional ear parts to be removed. Reconstruction surgery is also an option. This type of surgery is known as a sleeve resection and involves removing the skin of the ear canal.
Diagnostic tests for ear cancer usually begin with a physical exam and examination of the impacted ear. Your doctor will also review your health history, taking into account any prior skin cancer in general. If the ear cancer is squamous cell, a small tissue sample will be obtained and tested to confirm the diagnosis. The outcome of the biopsy will determine the best treatment for your condition. If the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor may recommend surgery or radiation therapy to remove the tumor.
Symptoms of ear cancer vary from person to person. They may include ear pain, ear infection, swelling of lymph nodes, and a mass in the neck. Other symptoms may include swollen neck lymph nodes or a ringing in the ear. If you have any of these symptoms or are concerned that your ear might be affected by cancer, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Patients who have heard or are concerned about hearing loss may undergo acoustic neuroma tests to determine the diagnosis. The hearing specialist will present a series of sounds, asking the patient to indicate when they hear them. A doctor may also present words, to test your ability to understand what is being heard. Acoustic neuromas can be detected through a CT scan or an MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive than computerized tomography, and can detect tumors as small as 2 millimeters in size.
While basal cell cancer is more common, there are other types of ear cancer, too. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that affects the skin’s basal layer. While basal cell carcinomas don’t typically spread, basal cell carcinomas often do. In some cases, cancer in the external auditory canal is malignant and must be removed surgically. If your ear cancer has spread, you should visit your doctor to determine what treatment options are available.
Skin cancer can spread to the ear. The skin surrounding the ear is exposed to the sun for many years. In addition, basal cell cancer can spread to the ear, causing a tumor to form near the ear. This type of cancer can spread to other areas of the body, including the skull. If left untreated, cancer near the ear may spread to the ear bone and affect the nerves that surround the lobes.
Fortunately, there are many treatment options for cancer near the ear. While ear cancer is not common, the survival rate is still remarkably high. A health care provider should be consulted if you notice a growth near the ear or if you experience unexplained ear pain or drainage. Similarly, recurring ear infections should be evaluated by an ear specialist. They may also recommend the treatment of any painful or infected cyst.
