Malignant tumors of the external ear

Tumors usually develop on the background of pathological conditions of the skin (trauma, scars, burns, chronic dermatitis, warts, keratosis). More often cancerous lesions, much less a melanoma, a very rare sarcoma. Somewhat apart is basal cell carcinoma (basal cell carcinoma), which is limited locally voluminous) and invasive growth.
Primary tumors tend to occur in the ear, much less in the external ear canal - with the exception of basal cell carcinoma, which is usually located in the cartilaginous part and captures the scaphoid fossa of the external auditory canal. With the further growth of the tumor spreads to surrounding tissue: scalp, parotid gland, bones of the skull, etc. are Sometimes observed metastases in regional lymph nodes.

Cancer of the auricle and the external auditory canal occurs in two forms: ulcerative exophytic and (tumor).
In ulcerative form appears on the skin flat ulcer with infiltrated toothed dense edge. Then begins the disintegration of the tissues, first by type weeping eczema with falling away crusts, and then exposing the cartilage of the shell and even the bone of the mastoid process. For basal cell carcinoma this process may take years to defeat cancer is much more aggressive.
In the case of exophytic (tumor) growth observed warty nodules on wide solid infiltrated the base, sometimes they resemble pale granulation, to differentiate granulation with external otitis, and sometimes, for example in chronic suppurative otitis media, regarded as its consequences.

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis is difficult only in the beginning of the disease, when the cancer is difficult to distinguish from benign lesions (atheroma, dermoid cysts, keloid scars, fibromas).
You should not overlook such a rare pathology as neurofibromas, lymphangioma, infusoria granuloma (possible gummy syphilis), telangiectasia.

Methods of treatment depend on the stage of the tumor and its form. Limited processes lend themselves to close-focus radiation therapy, sometimes used laser irradiation and cryotherapy. In more common tumors is resection of the affected area, radiation therapy is usually preceded by surgery, in the following prescribed chemotherapy.
Forecast. Even with stage II tumors, the prognosis is poor, which underscores the importance of early diagnosis.

ENT