Skin Cancer | The Office of Dr. Vincent Hung
Skin cancers on the ear tend to occur on the front of the ears but are also seen on the back. Men are more likely to develop cancers on their ears due to the prevalence of shorter haircuts, but it also affects women. This blog will review common signs to look for when monitoring for cancer on the skin of the ears.
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What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer anywhere on the body is when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably—in this case, on the ear. Usually, it starts on the outside of the ear. If left untreated, however, skin cancer on the ear can metastasize or spread to other parts of the body.
What Causes Skin Cancer on the Ear?
Skin cancer on the ear is most commonly caused by overexposure to UV rays from the sun. Years of sun exposure can cause basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) to develop. Ultraviolet rays can damage DNA and create cancerous cells. These cells rapidly grow and divide, forming a mass of cancer cells.
In addition to UV rays, contact with chemicals such as tar and coal might also cause skin cancer on the ear. Skin infections in the ear canal can also increase the risk of skin cancer on the ear.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Considered the most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma usually starts as a scaly area of the skin, eventually developing into a pearly white bump. This can be painless or ulcerated. This kind of tumor on the skin can spread to the inside of the ear, but it rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This form of skin cancer occurs in squamous cells, which are present in the middle and outer layers of the skin. Tumors of this kind are more likely to spread.
What Are Signs of Skin Cancer on the Ear?
The most common sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of your skin. Do you notice any of the following on the skin of your outer ear?
- Changed appearance of a sore or mole
- Discolored skin
- Itching or bleeding spot
- A lump with a hard and scaly surface
- A shiny bump or nodule
- A sore that doesn’t go away within four weeks
- A yellow or white “scar”
In short, an unusual sore that doesn’t heal, scaly spots, a slowly growing bump, or strange changes in the appearance of the skin are common signs of skin cancer on the ear.
ABCDE Guide
Healthy moles are usually smooth, round or oval, with an even brown, tan, or pink color. They can be flat or raised. A good guideline to follow in evaluating whether your mole is healthy or not is the ABCDE guide:
- Asymmetry, or irregular shape
- Border with irregular edges
- Color, specifically discoloration or multiple colors on a mole
- Diameter that’s bigger than 5–6 mm, or the size of a pencil eraser
- Evolution, or change in size, shape or color
If you are concerned about the skin on your ear, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss next steps and possible treatment plans. Dr. Vincent Hung is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction. Give us a call at 626-432-5032 today to schedule your consultation.
How Is a Diagnosis Made for Skin Cancer on the Ear?
There are a few steps when it comes to diagnosing skin cancer on your ear. These include:
- A physical exam, in which a dermatologist will examine your outer ear and ask you questions about changes to the skin of this area.
- A biopsy may be scheduled if your dermatologist suspects the presence of cancer. A small amount of tissue will be removed from the area exhibiting abnormal skin changes. This tissue sample is then sent to a laboratory so it can be examined under a microscope by a pathologist.
- Imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be recommended if the biopsy finds that the tissue is cancerous.
How Is Skin Cancer on the Ear Treated?
Treatment for skin cancer on the ear aims to destroy cancer cells and preserve the healthy local cells. Your treatment will depend on the stage of cancer—Stages 0 to IV.
In the lower stages, skin cancer may be removed with a biopsy. It can also be treated with Mohs surgery, which is a procedure in which layers of skin cancer cells are removed until no more cancer cells are detected. Hearing is usually not affected if the cancerous cells are located on the external ear. If needed, ear reconstruction surgery can be performed by a qualified, skilled surgeon to restore the ear’s form.
Can Skin Cancer on the Ear Be Cured?
Yes. If the cancer is diagnosed early, treatment is usually successful. Early detection is a crucial factor in effectively treating skin cancer. Dermatologists generally recommend performing monthly self-examinations and scheduling annual professional exams to detect any suspicious moles, marks, or lesions.
Do You Have Questions or Concerns About Skin Cancer in Pasadena, CA?
Dr. Hung is a triple board-certified dermatologist and plastic surgeon. He is the only U.S. plastic surgeon trained and certified in Mohs surgery for skin cancer. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hung, please fill out our online contact form or call 626-432-5032.
