When it does occur, different types of cancer can affect different parts of the ear.
Certain skin cancers may occur on or in the ear.
In other cases, tumors can appear in themiddle earor ear canal.
Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health
Symptoms and treatments for ear cancer depend on the pop in of cancer and when it is diagnosed.
Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health
What Is Ear Cancer?
Infection or Cancer?
Ear cancer is commonly mistaken for an ear infection.
Eighty percent of cancers of the ear canal are squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is usually treatable, especially when caught early.
The appearance ofbasal cell carcinomavaries greatly.
You’ll also want to check your skin frequently for any changes, including sores that don’t heal.
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
Skin cancerlooks different on everyone.
It is a less common cause of ear cancer.
Ear Adenocarcinoma
A rare ear adenocarcinoma is a tumor arising from the middle ear mucosa.
They can start in the middle ear or spread to the middle ear from another location of the body.
These tend to occur in younger people.
About 70% of salivary tumors begin here, most of them benign.
If untreated, cancer of the parotid glands can spread to the ear.
Causes of Ear Cancer
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing ear cancer.
Diagnosing Ear Cancer
Your healthcare provider will ask you to explain your symptoms.
Treatment of Ear Cancer
Surgery is the go-to treatment for ear cancer.
Several types of surgeries are used, depending on the severity and location of the cancer.
Pinna Surgery
The pinna is the external part of the ear.
A 2021 review of 431 people diagnosed with middle ear cancers found an average survival time of 61.4 months.
New insights and treatments continue to emerge.
Early diagnosis is key.
Early diagnosis also means less invasive treatment.
Summary
Ear cancer is rare, but it can be serious.
Luckily, if it’s caught early, it can be successfully treated.
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