A physician will first examine the ear that is affected. He or she will consider a patient’s health history to determine the likelihood of cancer. The patient’s health history should include any prior history of skin cancer in general. A small tissue sample will also be taken to determine if the tumor is a squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment for ear cancer may vary. Some patients may need surgery or chemotherapy.
Some forms of ear cancer are common in older adults. For example, squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone is most common among individuals in their seventh decade of life. A physician may remove the growth to check for the presence of cancer cells. A biopsy may be required and is done under general or local anesthesia. Patients should contact their healthcare providers if they have any changes in their hearing or skin. A doctor may recommend surgery if the tumor is causing problems with the hearing and balance.
Some types of cancer in the ear can be difficult to detect and treat. While basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer in the ear, it may also spread to other parts of the body. Patients with cancer in the ear should seek medical attention immediately if they notice an unusually white bump in the ear. A pearly white lump may develop into an ulcer over time. If not treated promptly, the tumor could potentially spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment options for cancer of the ear and temporal bone vary from patient to patient. Small tumors on the outside of the ear may be removed surgically in a doctor’s office. Alternatively, the doctor may need to remove other structures or lymph nodes near the ear to reach the affected area. In rare cases, the entire temporal bone may have to be removed. However, a doctor’s choice will depend on the location of the tumor.
When cancer has spread to the ear, the surgeon may recommend surgical treatment to remove the tumor. The procedure will require a biopsy to determine the presence of cancer cells. Surgery for cancer near the ear can involve removing the tumor or tumors and reconstructing the affected area. Smaller tumors can be removed through the ear canal. Larger tumors, however, will likely require an incision behind the ear to remove the bone.
In some cases, ear cancer is the result of malignant growths of the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland in the body. Prolonged exposure to sunlight increases the risk of ear cancer. People with fair skin have a greater risk of developing skin cancer and temporal bone cancer. However, if an ear tumor does develop, treatment should be immediate to ensure that the cancer does not spread to other areas of the body.
