The symptoms of cancer near the ear vary depending on its location, size, and type. However, some types of cancer near the ear may be more treatable than others. Here’s how to determine which types of cancer near the ear are treatable. The most common type of cancer near the ear is the auditory canal malignancy. The main symptoms of cancer near the ear include hearing loss, fever, and vomiting.
The most common form of cancer near the ear is basal skin carcinoma. It starts as a scaly bump that grows slowly. If left untreated, the bump may develop an ulcer. The ulcerated lump may be painful. If left untreated, the cancer could spread to other parts of the body. Once it’s detected, it could lead to facial paralysis, hearing loss, and dizziness. Cancer near the ear can also cause pain in the face.
Before starting treatment, patients with cancer near the ear may need to undergo a hearing test to determine if they will lose their hearing in the other ear. While treatment for cancer near the ear can prevent hearing loss, it can cause hearing loss in the ear treated with the cancer. As such, it may be necessary to get a hearing aid for the affected ear. A hearing aid can help the patient hear better in the other ear.
If a patient has symptoms of cancer near the ear, a healthcare provider will perform an examination of the outer and inner ear using an otoscope. Imaging studies may be used to determine if the tumor is cancerous. Surgery is the most common treatment for cancer near the ear. Treatment can include surgery and chemotherapy. The procedure depends on the type of cancer. Some cancers can spread and affect the bones in the neck or temporal bone.
Acoustic neuromas, which cause ringing in the ear, are not cancerous. However, they can interfere with hearing and balance. Early detection is important to avoid tumor growth. In some cases, acoustic neuromas can lead to total loss of hearing. When detected early, acoustic neuromas may be treatable if detected early enough. Acoustic neuromas are not life-threatening, but should be checked as soon as possible.
Although ear cancer is rare, it should not be dismissed as untreatable. While the majority of ear cancers begin on the outer ear, it can spread to the ear canal, the underlying ear drum, and the temporal bone (the bony lump behind the lobe). If the cancer is advanced, it can even affect the facial movement nerve. The symptoms of cancer near the ear depend on its location.
Acoustic neuroma symptoms include twitching and weakness of the face. If it grows large enough, it can interfere with swallowing. The tumor may also press on a trigeminal nerve, which controls facial movements and sensation. This tumor may also block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, causing hydrocephalus, facial paralysis, and headaches. Once the tumor has spread, it is usually difficult to reverse the damage.
