Ear cancer is a rare type of tumor that can affect the outer and inner parts of the ear. The most common sites are the external ear and ear canal, but it can also affect and invade other structures, such as bones (temporal, mastoid, ossicles of the middle ear), nerves, and inner ear.
It is a rare cancer, affecting 0.006% of people worldwide. The incidence of cases occurring within the ear canal is the same between men and women, but those of the outer part are twice as frequent in females. Although it can occur at any age, there is a predominance among elderly adults.
Its causes are not fully defined, but people with a history of chronic ear infections have a higher risk of developing cancer of the ear’s ceruminous glands. By chronic, it is understood as recurring for ten years or more.
On the other hand, ear cancer characterized by skin cancer on the ear or inside the ear canal is related to chronic sun exposure. People with lighter skin are at higher risk of developing this type of ear cancer.
Types of cancer
There are two types of ear cancer:
- Cancer of the ceruminous glands – arise in the outer third of the ear canal;
- Skin cancer on the outer ear or inside the ear canal.
The types of skin cancers that can affect the ears are:
- Basal cell carcinoma;
- Squamous cell carcinoma;
- Melanoma.
Symptoms and signs of ear cancer
In many cases, the first sign of a tumor in the ear is partial hearing loss.
Skin cancer on the outer ear typically presents symptoms similar to skin cancer in other areas of the body: an inflamed spot, a mole or spot with abnormal or irregular coloration and shape.
On the other hand, skin cancer inside the ear canal and cancer of the ceruminous glands may present symptoms such as:
- Inability to move the face on the affected side;
- Ear pain;
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck;
- Lump in the ear canal;
- Headache;
- Light sensitivity and dizziness caused by it;
- Weakness in the face;
- Ringing in the ear.
- Presence of discharge or bleeding at the site
Diagnosis of ear cancer
Ear tumor can be detected by an otolaryngologist during a routine ear examination.
The only way to confirm ear cancer is by removing a sample of abnormal tissue from the site and analyzing it through a biopsy.
Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, can be performed to assist in defining the exact location and extent of the ear tumor. They are also necessary in cases of ear cancer in deeper areas of the ear canal, from which it is more difficult to obtain tissue samples for biopsy.
Treatment for ear cancer
Treatment is usually surgical, and the procedure may require removal of the canal, skin, part of the bone, and/or the eardrum. The ear can be reconstructed, and hearing is not always affected.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be indicated in more advanced cases.
Prevention
The use of sunscreens against UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays can help prevent cases of ear cancer caused by skin cancer. For other types of ear cancer, there are no known prevention methods.
