Two malignant tumours most commonly develop in the ear: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The former develops primarily in the auricle and outer ear region, while squamous cell carcinoma can occur, for example, in the external auditory canal.

The causes of ear cancer have not yet been clearly established. It is suspected that frequent ear infections, among other things, may be related to the condition. In addition, it has been noted that frequent exposure of the ear skin to UV radiation can increase the risk of ear cancer.

Symptoms of ear cancer vary - they depend primarily on which part of the ear the cancer has developed. For example, if the lesion occurs in the ear canal, symptoms may include hearing loss, pain and a clearly noticeable formation in the ear canal. If the ear cancer is located in the middle ear, bleeding, discharge and hearing loss may occur.

Treatment of ear cancer is based on surgery - if possible, resection of existing lesions. Quite often, however, surgery alone is not sufficient and patients are additionally treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It is important to start treatment as early as possible - the later treatment is started, the greater the risk of the lesion spreading to structures other than the ear, such as lymph nodes, salivary glands or nerves supplying the head and neck region.