How do you treat squamous cell carcinoma on the ear?

Most squamous cell carcinomas can often be successfully and completely removed with surgery. For ear canal tumors, an incision is often made behind the ear so the growth can be safely accessed and removed.

What is squamous cell carcinoma of the ear?

Types of ear cancer Squamous cell carcinoma affects the squamous cells of the epidermis. It’s the most common type of ear cancer. It grows deeper into the cells of the body and is more likely than basal cell carcinoma to spread to other tissues.

What is the symptoms of ear cancer?

Hearing loss, weakness in facial muscles, tinnitus, and acute pain are some of the symptoms. The tissues grow abnormally, and ulcer and swelling may occur. Sometimes, blood or thick yellowish pus may ooze from the affected ear.

How serious is a squamous cell carcinoma lymph nodes?

Untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the skin can destroy nearby healthy tissue, spread to the lymph nodes or other organs, and may be fatal, although this is uncommon.

Can you get squamous cell carcinoma in your ear?

These tumors can spread to the inside of the ear but rarely other parts of the body. Squamous cell cancer grows deeper into the body and is more likely to spread. If the tumor grows into the temporal bone it can cause hearing loss, dizziness, and facial paralysis. The skin on the ear (pinna) is exposed to the sun.

How fast does squamous cell carcinoma spread?

Squamous cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes (spreads to other areas of the body), and when spreading does occur, it typically happens slowly.

What does cancer of the ear look like?

Tumors often start as scaly areas or white bumps on the outside of the ear. The area might ooze or drain. A tumor also might start inside the ear canal. The patient might notice drainage from the canal or pain inside the ear.

How long does it take for SCC to metastasize?

Metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is rare. However, certain tumor and patient characteristics increase the risk of metastasis. Prior studies have demonstrated metastasis rates of 3-9%, occurring, on average, one to two years after initial diagnosis [6].

How do I know if my squamous cell carcinoma has metastasized?

How to Tell If Squamous Cell Carcinoma Has Spread

• The tumor is thicker than 2 millimeters.
• The tumor has grown into the lower dermis or subcutis layers of the skin.
• The tumor has grown into the nerves in the skin.
• The tumor is present on the ear or on a hair-bearing lip.