A cancer that irritates the ear or that is located near it may be a symptom of a much more serious disease. This condition is often diagnosed in its early stages, when it is still curable. The ear is one of the most sensitive organs, making early diagnosis essential. Fortunately, there are several early detection methods for cancer near the ear. Listed below are the most common types of ear cancer.
Basal cell cancers are common on the face, but they can also affect the ear. In the early stages, a basal cell cancer may be a small bump with a raised edge. The bump may not bleed or ooze, but it may eventually spread to the temporal bone. The cancer in this region can be very aggressive, deforming the external ear. In many cases, basal cell cancers do not spread to distant sites and can only affect the ear.
While the symptoms of a seborrhoic keratosis are generally harmless, they may require treatment. While there is no known cure for the condition, ear cancer is curable with the use of proper treatment. To prevent the development of this cancer, it is important to protect the ears from the sun. Using sunscreen with adequate protection is a good idea. Those with white skin are more at risk for skin cancers than those with dark skin.
While the symptoms of cancer near the ear are similar to those of cancer in other parts of the body, they should not be confused with those of other types of tumors. The symptoms of a cancer near the ear may be due to a number of factors, such as a genetic predisposition. A physical examination can help determine the type of cancer. However, a biopsy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. It should be performed on the entire lesion, otherwise the tumor may spread to deeper tissues.
Patients with a lump near the ear should visit a physician immediately. It may be a cyst or a lipoma, which are similar in appearance, but sit deeper in the skin and are softer. In addition to a biopsy, imaging is usually needed to make a conclusive diagnosis. Surgery is the primary treatment for cancer near the ear. Surgical removal is possible for small masses and may be performed through the ear canal. Larger masses, however, may require an incision behind the ear and bone removal.
The treatment of a tumour in the ear depends on its location, size, and location. In general, an ear tumor is removed from the outer one-third or two-thirds of the ear. In some cases, the tumour is removed entirely and the lymph nodes in the neck are removed along with the ear drum. However, in very rare cases, a tumour will grow deeper in the ear and require surgery.
In some cases, the skin cancer can mimic a simple rash or skin infection. Any suspicious persistent lesion that persists for more than a few days should be biopsied. Basal cell cancers are more likely to occur in the conchal hollow or groove behind the ear. They are often silent and extend beyond the visible tumour. This makes it extremely important to get a biopsy when it’s detected early.
