Definition
Any cancer affecting the ear from the outer portion (the lobe or pinna) to the innermost portion of the ear. The commonest form of cancer of the ear is called squamous carcinoma. This predominately affect the earlobe.
Incidence/Age/Sex
Cancer of the ear is relatively uncommon. It usually affects men over the age of 60 years. They are normally very slow growing cancers that are often ignored for many years until they start to enlarge.
Causes/Preventions
There are no definite causes, although exposure to industrial chemicals and oils is thought to increase the risk of this type of cancer. Sun exposure may also be linked to an increased chance of developing squamous carcinoma of the ear.
Signs & Symptoms
Often the first sign is a crusting on the ear lobe, which does not disappear. This may then over a period of time start to ulcerate. These lesions are normally painless in the initial stages, however they may be associated with increasing pain should they spread to adjacent tissues.
Complications of Disorder
If treated in the early stages of the condition then normally there are few complications. If the ulcers are left for many years without treatment then squamous cancers can spread to other areas in the neck and the lymph glands. Should this occur then more radical treatment will be required to treat this problem adequately.
Tests
If the ulcers are confined to the earlobe then very few tests are required. A biopsy under local anaesthetic may be undertaken in the out-patient department to confirm that a cancer exists. If there is a worry that the disease has spread to adjacent areas in the neck then x-ray tests such as a CT scan or MRI scan may be performed. These scans give a good indication of the extent of the problem.
Treatment
Radiotherapy can be used for very small areas of cancer but if there is any doubt then an operation will be undertaken.
For small cancers a part of the ear is removed which includes the cancer and a rim of normal tissue. The remainder of the ear is repaired to look as normal as possible. This simple operation takes approximately 30 mins to perform and is often undertaken as a daycase. If the cancer has spread, a more complicated operation may be required to remove all the glands in the neck. This is called a radical neck dissection. Following excision of the cancer it may be necessary for a course of radiotherapy to be prescribed to ensure to make sure all the cancer cells are destroyed.
Outcome
Follow up in out patients will usually occur within a month of the initial surgery. Depending on the severity of the cancer, patients will be reviewed in clinic on a regular basis over approximately 5 years.
Source: www.medicaldirect.co.uk
Last Editorial Review: 25/1/2010
