Ear cancer can affect both the inner part and the external parts of the ears. However, it often starts as a skin cancer on the outer ear that then spreads throughout the various ear structures, including the ear canal and the eardrum. Besides, ear cancer may also start from within the ear, and therefore, it can affect the bone inside the ear, called the temporal bone. Thus, the temporal bone also includes the mastoid bone which is the bony lump you feel behind your ear when it is cancerous. Go through this blog, penned by the most renowned ENT specialist in Kolkata to know the causes and symptoms of ear cancer at the early stage.

What are the main causes of ear cancer?

Researchers are not entirely sure about what causes ear cancer. So, few cases exist when it turns out to be hard to figure out how it may originate. But researchers and medical professionals do know that certain things may increase your chances of developing ear cancer. These factors include –

• Having frequent ear infections: 

This has been the most common reason for developing ear cancers. However, the inflammatory responses that lead to ear infections may somehow impact cellular changes that prompt ear cancers.

• Being aged:

Did you know that certain types of ear cancer are pretty common in older individuals? In some research papers, data suggest that squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone is most common in the seventh decade of human life.

• Frequent exposure to the sun without sunscreen:

Spending a longer period in the sun may put you at greater risk for skin cancer, which can sometimes lead to ear cancer as well.

What are the symptoms of ear cancer?

Note that the symptoms of ear cancer mainly vary depending on the particular part of your ear that is affected.

Outer ear – Thesigns of cancer in the outer ear include:

• Scaly patches that exist even after moisturizing
• Some pearly white lumps under the skin
• Skin ulcers that bleed often

Ear canal – The signs of cancer in the ear canal include:

• A lump in or near the entrance to the ear canal
• Loss of hearing
• Fluid discharge from the affected ear

Middle ear – The signs of cancer in the middle ear include:

• Constant fluid discharge from the ear, which may sometimes be bloody
• Loss of hearing
• Severe earache
• Numbness on the affected side of the head

Inner ear – The signs of cancer in the inner side of the ear include:

• Acute ear pain
• Dizziness all the time
• Loss of hearing
• A constant sense of ringing in the ears
• Severe headache

In conclusion, we would say that ear cancer is exceedingly rare. Still, you should seek the advice of an ENT specialist in Kolkata if you have what seems to be a recurrent ear infection, especially one without cold or other congestion. Remember that early detection is key to a good outlook.