What is An Ear Tumor?
A lump of abnormal cells that forms in the ear.
Most ear tumors are not cancerous, but some are malignant (cancerous).
Ear tumors may affect your hearing and spread to any part of the ear-
- Outer ear (skin cancer)
- Inner ear (acoustic neuroma)
- Middle ear (glomus tympanicum)
Ear Cyst and Ear Tumor: What is the Difference?
Both ear cysts and tumors cause a lump in the ear.
Cysts: Small sacs filled with fluid or solid material and are non-cancerous.
Tumors: Abnormal cell growth of solid masses that may or may not be cancerous.
Symptoms of Ear Tumor
• Ear Pain
• Drainage from the ear
• Blood in the ear
• Loss of hearing
• Weak Facial Muscles
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Headache
• Dizziness
Risk Factors of Ear Tumor
• Chronic ear infections
• Ear piercings
• Prior radiation exposure.
• Repeated exposure to cold water (scuba diving)
• Smoking
Diagnosis of Ear Tumor
Your doctor may notice a cyst or tumor during a routine ear exam.
• Hearing Test
• CT or MRI Scan
• Biopsy
How are Benign Ear Tumors Treated?
Some non-cancerous ear tumors do not require treatment unless the tumor affects hearing or balance.
Your doctor will diagnose the condition and regularly check for any growth or symptoms and treat it accordingly.
Other Treatment Options
• Radiosurgery (It directs high doses of radiation directly to the tumor)
• Corticosteroid Injection
How are Malignant Ear Tumors Treated?
• Mohs surgery to remove the cancerous skin cells
• Radiation therapy, radiosurgery, or chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells
• Surgical removal of the tumor
When to Call a Doctor?
• Balance problems and dizziness
• Ear bleeding, discharge, or pain.
• Hearing loss
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Skin changes to the ear (new lump, mole, or sore)
Can Ear Tumors be Cured?
Most non-cancerous ear tumors can be cured completely.
However, treatment for cancerous tumors mostly includes surgery and radiation or chemotherapy.
The doctor may use only radiation or a combination with surgery or chemotherapy to treat ear cancer.
The doctors will remove the tumor and the surrounding area during ear cancer surgery.
