ear cancer

Ear cancer, also known as auricular cancer, is a rare type of cancer that affects the outer, middle, or inner ear. It can start as a skin cancer on the outer ear and then spread to other parts of the ear.

Types of Ear Cancer

Most ear cancers are actually skin cancers that develop on the outer ear. The most common types of skin cancers affecting the ear include:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Melanoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Other rare types of ear cancer can occur in the middle or inner ear, including adenoid cystic carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and ceruminoma (cancer of the cells that produce earwax).

Symptoms

Ear cancer can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Hearing loss
• Weakness in facial muscles
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Acute pain
• Ulcer and swelling on the outer ear

Risk Factors

While the exact cause of ear cancer is not always known, some risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing this rare type of cancer. These include:

• Exposure to radiation
• Family history of skin cancer or other genetic conditions that increase ear cancer risk
• Having fair skin and exposure to UV radiation

Prognosis

The prognosis for ear cancer depends on the type, location, and severity of the cancer. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

According to a 2021 review of 431 people diagnosed with middle ear cancers, the average survival time was 61.4 months.

References:

• [2] Ear cancer is when abnormal cells in the ear start to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
• [3] Types of malignant (cancerous) ear tumors include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
• [4] Cancers of the ear most commonly start as skin cancers in the ear canal or skin of the outer ear.
• [10] Ear cancer typically affects the outer ear, although it can also affect the middle or inner ear.
• [12] The prognosis for ear cancer depends on the type, location, and severity of the cancer.

Ear Cancer: Understanding the Signs and Symptoms

Ear cancer, although rare, can cause various symptoms depending on its location and stage. It's essential to be aware of these signs to seek medical attention promptly.

Common Symptoms:

• Outer Ear: A sore or scaly patch on the earlobe, ear rim (pinna), or outer entrance to the ear canal [1]. This may itch or bleed if scratched.
• Middle Ear: Bloody discharge from the inner ear is a common symptom, along with earache (pain) inside the ear and inability to move the face on the affected side of the ear [4].
• General Symptoms: Pain, bleeding or drainage from the ear, hearing loss, and facial weakness are also possible symptoms of ear cancer [6][7].

Other Possible Signs:

• Scaly areas or white bumps on the outside of the ear that might ooze or drain [8]
• Change to a sore or mole, discolored skin, itching or bleeding spot, or a pink lump with a hard, scaly texture (signs of skin cancer) [9]

Important Note:

Ear cancer symptoms can vary depending on the location and stage of the tumor. If you experience any unusual symptoms, it's crucial to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References: [1] - Symptoms of ear cancer vary depending on what part of your ear is affected. [4] - Bloody discharge from the inner ear is the most common symptom for middle ear cancer [6] - Ear cancers can cause symptoms such as pain, bleeding or drainage from the ear, hearing loss, and facial weakness [7] - Symptoms can vary depending on where the tumor is and how far it spreads. [8] - Tumors often start as scaly areas or white bumps on the outside of the ear. [9] - Signs of skin cancer on the ear include change to a sore or mole, discolored skin, itching or bleeding spot, or a pink lump with a hard, scaly texture.

Treatment Options for Ear Cancer

Ear cancer, also known as middle or inner ear cancer, can be treated using various methods, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with radiation therapy to treat ear cancer. It can be administered before (pre-surgery) or after (post-surgery) the surgical removal of the tumor [1].
• Targeted Therapy: In some cases, targeted therapy drugs like vismodegib (Erivedge) may be effective in treating basal cell skin cancer, which is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer that can occur on the ear [4].
• Sodium Thiosulfate: Research has shown that sodium thiosulfate can protect hearing in children undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin, a common ototoxic drug used to treat various cancers, including ear cancer [6].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to these treatments, other nonsurgical options may be considered for ear cancer, such as:

• Radiotherapy: Radiation therapy can be used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Topical Medications: Topical medications like imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, Efudex, Actikerall) may be effective in treating non-melanoma skin cancers on the ear [8].
• Photodynamic Therapy: This therapy uses light to kill cancer cells.

Important Note

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options. They will assess your individual situation and recommend the most suitable course of action based on the size, extent, and type of tumor, as well as other factors [5].

References:

[1] Feb 14, 2022 — The main treatments for middle or inner ear cancers are surgery and radiotherapy. You might also have chemotherapy. [4] While basal cell skin cancer does not usually respond to chemotherapy, it often responds to a targeted drug called vismodegib, sold as Erivedge. [5] Treatment for ear cancer depends on the size and extent of the tumor and typically involves surgical removal. Depending on the extent of the tumor, lymph nodes ... [6] Jul 13, 2018 — The drug sodium thiosulfate can protect the hearing of children with cancer undergoing treatment with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, results from a new study ... [7] by J Televisit — Nonsurgical treatment options for this condition include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, topical medications, and photodynamic therapy. None of ... [8] The topical therapy drugs used for non-melanoma skin cancer are imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, Efudex, Actikerall).