Cancer of the external ear

These cancers are rare, but where they do occur they are most likely to be a squamous cell carcinoma. Cancers of the glands of the ear can occur, but these are also extremely rare, and are likely to be of a type known as adenoid cystic carcinoma.

What are the symptoms?
The most frequently symptoms are: Discharge from the ear canal, often tinged with blood Hearing loss Sometimes facial paralysis on the side of the affected ear Earache.

Where is it?
In the outer portion of the ear canal or in the deeper ear canal.

What has caused it?
The cause is not known. It would appear to be more common in older people who have a long history of outer ear infection called 'otitis externa'.

Can it spread?
This type of cancer can spread to the middle ear. It is also possible for the cancer to spread into the parotid gland - (the salivary gland located beneath the ear and around the angle of the jaw), or backwards into the middle ear. It can also spread to the lymph nodes that are present in front of an behind the ear as well as the neck although this is rare. This can be diagnosed by regular examinations and CT scanning.

How is it treated?
It can be treated surgically by means of a combination of a common middle ear operation called a mastiodectomy, often with removal of the parotid gland. Removal of the tempero-mandibular joint (jaw joint) is a possibility but is almost never done. This would be followed by neck dissection (see separate information leaflet).