Learning More About Outer Ear Cancer

Information may not be reliable

Outer ear cancer in Newport Beach is a malignancy that you likely do not hear a lot about. Approximately five out of every 100 skin cancers occur on this part of the ear, so it is not a common type of cancer. When it comes to ear cancer in Orange County, it is important to understand the basics, especially since the area is so sunny and the sun plays a major role in the development of this type of cancer.

Exploring the Possible Symptoms

When someone has this type of cancer, there is usually at least one symptom indicating that something abnormal is happening. One of the prominent symptoms that people notice is a sore or spot on the ear that lasts for four weeks or longer. Squamous cell cancers are not uncommon when it comes to ear cancer in Newport Beach. When this type of lump is present, it is often scaly in texture and pink in color. Tumors made up of this cell type also tend to ulcerate and bleed easily. While squamous cell is the most common, this type of cancer can also occur as a melanoma or a basal cell cancer.

Pay close attention to any moles on the area of your outer ear. If a mole starts to itch, grow or bleed, make sure to have it evaluated by a doctor for ear cancer in Orange County.

Looking at the Stages

Whether the cancer has spread beyond the ear and the size of the growth are both considered when determining the stage of this cancer. Your doctor will use specific methods based on whether your ear cancer is a non-melanoma type of a melanoma type. There are four stages, with number four being the most severe and indicating that the cancer has most likely spread elsewhere.

Getting Diagnosed and Treated

Your doctor will usually want to take a biopsy of the growth to evaluate it for cancer. Blood work and assessing your general health are also common. Once cancer is confirmed, it is staged. At this point, your doctor determines the right treatment, which usually includes radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of both.

Take advantage of this information about ear cancer in Newport Beach to better protect your health. If you notice any skin abnormalities on this part of your ear, it is important that you have them assessed right away. Faster diagnosis of ear cancer in Orange County might help to improve a person’s prognosis.