In the early stages, they can be easily treated with surgery.
Melanoma is more likely to spread than other types of skin cancer.
The two most common types of skin cancer on the ear are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou
Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer on the ear are usually not serious if caught early.
It is also possible to develop melanoma skin cancer on your ear, but this is much rarer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Squamous cell skin cancer is more serious than basal cell carcinoma because of its ability to spread.
These lesions are usually slow-growing and rarely spread past their primary site.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Most cases are caught early and can be completely removed.
Over time, the growths may bleed or ooze.
A sore that never seems to heal could also be a sign of basal cell carcinoma.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Melanoma
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Melanomaof the ear is rare and a much more serious diagnosis than basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma.
Melanoma begins in cells calledmelanocyteswhich produce pigment in the skin.
While serious, melanoma is usually curable when caught early.
The five-year survival rate is 98% when caught in its earliest stage.
Melanoma usually presents as a tan, brown, or black growth that resembles a mole.
Facial weakness and paralysis can also occur once the cancer spreads.
Can skin cancer on your ear spread to your brain?
Basal and squamous cell carcinomas do not spread as quickly as melanoma.
The skin may feel rough and thicker than the surrounding skin on the ear.
These growths differ from dry orsensitive skinbecause they dont improve with moisturizers and are sometimes painful.
They often crust over and bleed or ooze, and never fully heal.
A skin cancer lesion could also appear as a new scar without an associated injury.
A precancerous lesion, known asactinic keratosis, also appears as a red, scaly patch of skin.
It often presents on sun-exposed areas of the face like the ears.
Early treatment of these growths can prevent them from turning into cancer.
Bleeding or discharge from the ear is also awarning sign.
See a healthcare provider any time you find a new lesion on your skin.
A diagnosis of skin cancer is typically made following a biopsy of the lesion.
This is done with a small sample of tissue taken from the abnormal skin.
A pathologist can identify cancer by looking at the sample under a microscope.
If cancer is identified, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests such as an MRI or CT scan.
These tests can determine if the cancer has spread, and if so, what stage it is in.
Your healthcare provider will use the results of these tests to develop a treatment plan.
A plastic surgeon may be needed to help with reconstruction.
Other types of surgeries involve removing the ear canal and eardrum or the surrounding lymph nodes, if needed.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants can be used to cope with hearing loss after surgery.
The most common risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds.
When spending time outdoors, be mindful of how youre taking care of your skin.
When applying sunscreen, be vigilant about rubbing it into the skin on and around your ears.
These places are often forgotten and can put you at higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Look for a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 or higher and reapply often.
Prognosis
Melanoma is the most dangerous key in of cancer that can appear on the ear.
Summary
Skin cancer on the ear is most likely to be squamous or basal cell carcinoma.
Melanoma is also possible, but much less common.
Skin cancer on the ear can spread over time and cause problems like ear pain and hearing loss.
When caught early, skin cancer on the ear has a good prognosis.
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