Ear Cancer

Ear Cancer Treatment: The ear is a complex organ that undertakes critical functions in the body not only with its hearing function but also in terms of balance, direction determination, and communication. However, ear cancer, which is a rare but aggressive tumor that can develop in the outer, middle, or inner ear region, can lead to serious functional losses, aesthetic deformations, and even life-threatening risks when diagnosed late. Early diagnosis, histological confirmation, correct staging, and a multidisciplinary approach are the key elements in the treatment of ear cancer.

ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, who serves in his own clinic in Istanbul, offers his patients modern and holistic solutions in ear cancer treatment with both high medical precision and personalized treatment planning.

What is Ear Cancer?

Ear cancer occurs when cells located in ear structures grow uncontrollably and develop malignancy. It is most commonly seen in the external ear canal; then in the middle ear and rarely in the inner ear. Histopathologically, the most common type is squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, rare types such as basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and melanoma have also been defined.

Ear cancer generally shows local aggression and spreads to surrounding tissues. If not detected early, it can reach vital structures such as the facial nerve, meninges, and skull base. This complicates treatment and negatively affects the patient’s lifespan and quality of life.

What Causes Ear Cancer?

Although the exact cause of ear cancer is not known, the presence of certain risk factors increases the likelihood of developing the disease. These include:

Prolonged sun exposure: Particularly effective in basal cell carcinomas developing in the external ear skin.

Chronic ear infections: Constant inflammatory environment can lead to cellular changes in the mucosa.

Radiation exposure: Radiotherapy applied to the head and neck region in the past can trigger malignant changes in later years.

Immune deficiency conditions

Smoking and alcohol use

Family history or genetic predisposition

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen recommends regular check-ups and clinical follow-up in advanced ages, especially in individuals with these risk factors.

What are the Symptoms of Ear Cancer?

Ear cancer can initially be confused with ordinary ear infections. However, persistent, treatment-resistant, or progressively worsening symptoms should be carefully examined. The most common symptoms are:

• Unilateral, persistent, or recurrent ear discharge
• Ear pain (otalgia), usually deep and throbbing in nature
• Hearing loss
• Mass or wound in or around the ear
• Bloody or foul-smelling discharge
• Numbness, muscle weakness, or paralysis in the face (especially if the facial nerve is involved)
• Dizziness, balance disorders
• Swelling in lymph nodes

If one or more of these symptoms are present, a simple middle ear infection should not be assumed, and an ENT specialist should be consulted for further evaluation.

How is Ear Cancer Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of ear cancer begins with a detailed history and a comprehensive physical examination. Methods used in the diagnostic process include:

Otoscopic and microscopic examination: The external and middle ear canal is examined in detail.

Endoscopic evaluation: Especially assessed whether the tumor has progressed to the inner ear or skull base.

Biopsy: Samples taken from suspicious lesions are examined pathologically. It is essential for confirming the diagnosis.

CT (Computed Tomography): Erosion of bone structures or tumor spread is evaluated.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed information about soft tissues, nerve tissues, and meninges.

PET-CT: Used in metastasis investigation.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen determines the size of the tumor, its local spread, and systemic effects in detail by drawing a roadmap specific to each case in diagnosis.

How is Ear Cancer Treated?

The treatment of ear cancer is planned considering the type, stage, location of the tumor, and the patient’s general health condition. The treatment approach is often multidisciplinary and includes surgical options, radiotherapy, and systemic treatment options, primarily surgery.

Surgical Treatment

The most effective treatment for ear cancer in early-stage tumors is surgery. The aim is to completely remove the tumor with clean margins. The main surgical methods applied are:

Local excision: Only the tumor and small tissue around it are removed (in early stage)

Lateral temporal bone resection: The entire external ear, ear canal, and eardrum are removed

Subtotal temporal resection: An advanced level intervention in which the middle ear is also removed

Total temporal resection: A rarely used surgery in which the inner ear is also removed

Parotid and lymph node dissection: If the tumor has spread to the parotid or lymph system

After surgery, the ear region is reconstructed with aesthetic and reconstructive interventions if necessary. Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen makes each surgical decision with detailed imaging and multidisciplinary council evaluation.

Radiotherapy

Adjuvant radiotherapy can be applied to reduce the risk of residual disease after surgery. It is also used as primary treatment in patients not suitable for surgery or in inoperable tumors. Surrounding tissues are protected at the maximum level with precise techniques such as IMRT.

Chemotherapy

It is applied in advanced stages, if there is systemic spread, or to create synergy with radiotherapy. It has been proven to be effective especially in squamous cell carcinomas.

Targeted and Immunotherapy

In recent years, PD-1 inhibitors and other immune checkpoint inhibitors have begun to be used in advanced-stage head and neck cancers. They can also benefit in selected cases of ear cancers. The treatment decision is made according to the biological profile of the tumor.

Monitoring and Rehabilitation in Ear Cancer Treatment

After treatment is completed, patients should be kept under regular follow-up for at least 5 years. The risk of recurrence is high within the first 2 years. The follow-up program may include:

• Endoscopic examination every 3-6 months
• Periodic CT/MR imaging
• Control biopsies if necessary
• Hearing test and balance evaluations
• Aesthetic and functional rehabilitation
• Psychological support and quality of life follow-up

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen creates a special follow-up algorithm for each patient in the post-treatment period, ensuring that the healing process progresses sustainably and comfortably.

Why Does Early Diagnosis Save Lives?

Ear cancer is a rare but rapidly progressing type of cancer. Treatment success is directly related to the diagnostic stage. While the 5-year survival rate of cases diagnosed in the early stage can reach up to 70%, this rate can fall below 30% in advanced stages. Therefore:

• If there is ear pain, discharge, or wound lasting longer than 3 weeks
• If hearing loss is unilateral and sudden onset
• If numbness or asymmetry is noticed in the facial nerves

an ENT specialist should be consulted without delay.

Ear cancer treatment is a process that can be successful with correct diagnosis, meticulous staging, and a multidisciplinary approach. While complete cure can be achieved with surgery in early-stage tumors, life expectancy can be extended and quality of life can be preserved even in advanced stages.

ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, who serves in his own clinic in Istanbul, offers his patients a safe healing process by combining scientific precision, technological possibilities, and an individualized approach in the diagnosis and treatment of ear cancer.

If you or a relative have a complaint related to the ear that has not been resolved for a long time, seeking expert opinion without delay could be life-saving.