Treatment for cancer near the ear will depend on its location and size. Radiation therapy is usually not used as a primary treatment since it can have harmful side effects. However, it may be used after surgery if the tumor is too aggressive to be removed through surgery. Three main types of surgery are available to remove cancer from the ear canal: radical temporal bone resection, lateral temporal bone resection, and a combination of the two.
A doctor will usually perform a thorough physical examination to determine the exact cause of the lump. Blood tests and urinalysis may be necessary. If a skin biopsy is necessary, it will be sent to a pathologist for analysis with a microscope. Surgery may be required if the cancer spreads to nearby structures. If the cancer has spread to the ear canal, radiosurgery may be necessary. Other treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
A tumor occurs when the body makes new cells faster than it normally does. The old, damaged cells do not die as they should and group together. The old and new cells then merge to form a mass known as a tumor. This type of tumor is cancerous when it grows uncontrollably and spreads to other parts of the body. Several conditions may cause cancer near the ear. Some people can contract the disease by smoking secondhand smoke.
Approximately 200 cases of ear cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S., and the majority of these cases occur in men. The most common type of cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which starts on the outer ear and grows slowly. It usually begins as a white bump or scaly area and gradually spreads deep into the ear. If not treated, ear cancers can spread to bones and even bones.
Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun on the outer ear may also cause a tumor to form. Exposure to UV light from the sun can damage the skin, causing it to develop a tumor. Other risk factors include skin cancer caused by chronic skin infections in the ear canal. Fair skinned people are more prone to the disease, and long-term exposure to the sun increases the risk. A biopsy of the tumor is the only way to confirm if the tumor is malignant. If a tumor is found, removal must be undertaken immediately to prevent it from spreading.
The symptoms of ear cancer vary according to the type of cancer and its location. These can include ear pain, blood, or difficulty hearing. While cancer of the ear is rare, it is a serious disease, and can result in complete deafness. It can also affect the facial movement nerve. Patients who suspect that they have an ear tumor should be examined immediately. This will help the healthcare provider detect the cancer and the best course of treatment.
