The skin on the ear is exposed to the sun and is prone to developing basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. A skin tumor near the ear can spread to the bone and may develop into a tumor known as a temporal bone tumor. Fair skinned people are more at risk of this cancer, and it can also spread from another part of the body. People with a family history of skin cancer in general are at higher risk. Chronic skin infections of the ear canal can increase the risk.
If you suspect that you have cancer near the ear, your health care provider will examine you and may perform blood tests to rule out other diseases. Your health care provider may also perform a biopsy to identify the cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, a biopsy of the cancer in the ear may lead to an MRI or CT scan. Scan results can help the doctor determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms and treatments for cancer near the ear can vary from patient to patient. The most common type of cancer in the ear is basal cell carcinoma, which affects the outer portion. Less commonly, cancers derived from sweat glands, hair follicles, and wax may develop in the ear. However, malignant tumours of the external auditory canal are rare and hard to treat. Regardless of the type of cancer, your healthcare provider will evaluate the condition of your ear and advise you on the best course of action to take.
If you have been experiencing chronic or recurrent ear infections for a long time, you should consider visiting an ENT. A doctor who specializes in ear cancer can accurately diagnose and treat your condition. Early detection and treatment can increase the chances of survival. You should also visit your health care provider if you notice any growths on your ear or experience unexplained ear pain. You may even benefit from a hearing aid.
Surgery to treat cancer near the ear depends on the size of the tumor, its location, and its location. Radiation therapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells, is not a cure for ear cancer. But health care providers may use it to control symptoms and provide relief from the side effects of surgery. It’s important to understand that treatment options for cancer near the ear are different. The treatment for this disease depends on the type of cancer and how severe the disease is.
A skin cancer that is not visible is usually a basal cell carcinoma. This type of cancer develops in the squamous layer of the epidermis and grows deeper into the body. It is less likely to spread to other parts of the body, but it’s important to treat a suspicious lesion near the ear. The ear is located at the front of the head, but the cancer can still extend to the back of the ear.