Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsSigns of SpreadDiagnosisTreatmentRisk FactorsPreventionPrognosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Signs of Spread
Diagnosis
Treatment
Risk Factors
Prevention
Prognosis
Skin cancer of the earcan develop on the outer ear, ear canal, or skin surrounding the ear.Basal cell carcinomaandsquamous cell carcinomaare the most common types of skin cancer that develop on or around the ear.
These types of cancer may begin as scaly or red patches of skin, bumps, sores, or growths. In the early stages, they can be easily treated with surgery. Untreated cancers can spread to the inner ear, as well as to thetemporal bone, facial nerves, and beyond. Melanoma is more likely to spread than other types of skin cancer.
This article explores the various types of skin cancer that can appear on the ear, how they are treated, and what the prognosis is.
Ear Anatomy, Function, and Care
Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou
Symptoms of Skin Cancer of the Ear
Cancers of the ear almost always start out as skin cancer. The two most common types of skin cancer on the ear are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer on the ear are usually not serious if caught early.
It is also possible to develop melanoma skin cancer on your ear, but this is much rarer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer but the most common type of skin cancer on the ear.Squamous cell skin cancer on the ear is still rare, accounting for just 0.2% of all face and neck cancer diagnoses.
Squamous cell carcinoma occurs on the ear when the squamous cells on the skin around the ear become damaged and start to grow at an out-of-control rate. Squamous cell skin cancer is more serious than basal cell carcinoma because of its ability to spread.
Squamous cell carcinoma can cause the following symptoms:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and the second most common to appear on the ear.Basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells, which are located in the top layer of the skin.
These lesions are usually slow-growing and rarely spread past their primary site. Still, it is possible for untreated basal cell carcinomas to spread to the temporal bone, inner ear, and surrounding areas. Most cases are caught early and can be completely removed.
Basal cell carcinoma may look like one or more of the following:
About half of people with darker skin have pigmented lesions that appear brown or black. Over time, the growths may bleed or ooze. A sore that never seems to heal could also be a sign of basal cell carcinoma.
Melanoma
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Melanomaof the ear is rare and a much more serious diagnosis than basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is more likely to spread to surrounding tissues on the face, making it more dangerous than other types of skin cancer.
Melanoma begins in cells calledmelanocyteswhich produce pigment in the skin. While serious, melanoma is usually curable when caught early. The five-year survival rate is 98% when caught in its earliest stage.
Melanoma usually presents as a tan, brown, or black growth that resembles a mole. These growths typically have the following characteristics:
Because melanomas can grow quickly, it is crucial to keep an eye on any new moles or markings that develop on the ear or elsewhere on the body.
Everything You Need to Know About Melanoma Treatment
Symptoms That Can Mean the Cancer Has Spread
If left untreated, skin cancer on the ear can spread and cause serious symptoms like hearing loss, ear pain, and blood or drainage from the ear. Facial weakness and paralysis can also occur once the cancer spreads.
Can skin cancer on your ear spread to your brain?It is possible for any skin cancer—even nonmelanoma cancer—to spread to other parts of the body, including the brain.This is why it’s important to see a healthcare provider for any new lesion that appears on your skin.
Can skin cancer on your ear spread to your brain?
It is possible for any skin cancer—even nonmelanoma cancer—to spread to other parts of the body, including the brain.This is why it’s important to see a healthcare provider for any new lesion that appears on your skin.
Basal and squamous cell carcinomas do not spread as quickly as melanoma. If you have melanoma, signs that it has spread may include symptoms like:
Don’t Ignore Scaly SkinThe most common type of ear skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, often presents as a dry, scaly patch of skin. The skin may feel rough and thicker than the surrounding skin on the ear.These growths differ from dry orsensitive skinbecause they don’t improve with moisturizers and are sometimes painful. They often crust over and bleed or ooze, and never fully heal. A skin cancer lesion could also appear as a new scar without an associated injury.A precancerous lesion, known asactinic keratosis, also appears as a red, scaly patch of skin. It often presents on sun-exposed areas of the face like the ears. Early treatment of these growths can prevent them from turning into cancer.
Don’t Ignore Scaly Skin
The most common type of ear skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, often presents as a dry, scaly patch of skin. The skin may feel rough and thicker than the surrounding skin on the ear.These growths differ from dry orsensitive skinbecause they don’t improve with moisturizers and are sometimes painful. They often crust over and bleed or ooze, and never fully heal. A skin cancer lesion could also appear as a new scar without an associated injury.A precancerous lesion, known asactinic keratosis, also appears as a red, scaly patch of skin. It often presents on sun-exposed areas of the face like the ears. Early treatment of these growths can prevent them from turning into cancer.
The most common type of ear skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, often presents as a dry, scaly patch of skin. The skin may feel rough and thicker than the surrounding skin on the ear.
These growths differ from dry orsensitive skinbecause they don’t improve with moisturizers and are sometimes painful. They often crust over and bleed or ooze, and never fully heal. A skin cancer lesion could also appear as a new scar without an associated injury.
A precancerous lesion, known asactinic keratosis, also appears as a red, scaly patch of skin. It often presents on sun-exposed areas of the face like the ears. Early treatment of these growths can prevent them from turning into cancer.
The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer
To detect ear cancer as soon as possible, monitor your outer ear and the surrounding skin for changes like dry, scaly patches or a sore that never seems to heal. Bleeding or discharge from the ear is also awarning sign. An annual skin check with adermatologistcan help you catch early signs of cancer so it can be treated right away.
If cancer is identified, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests such as an MRI or CT scan. These tests can determine if the cancer has spread, and if so, what stage it is in. Your healthcare provider will use the results of these tests to develop a treatment plan.
Skin Cancer and Rash: When Do Symptoms Suggest Cancer?
The most common type of treatment for ear cancer is surgery to remove the growth completely. If caught early, your dermatologist may be able to remove it with one of the following options:
If cancer has spread to the surrounding tissues, more invasive surgery may be required. Radiation is usually required after surgery to ensure that all cancer cells have been removed; radiation therapy typically lasts about six weeks.
Your surgeon and oncologist will determine how much tissue needs to be removed based on how advanced your cancer is. When some or all of the outer ear is removed, a soft tissue flap is used to help the wound heal. A plastic surgeon may be needed to help with reconstruction.
Other types of surgeries involve removing the ear canal and eardrum or the surrounding lymph nodes, if needed. Hearing aids and cochlear implants can be used to cope with hearing loss after surgery.
Depending on the type of cancer, if surgery or radiation cannot cure it, your oncologist may prescribe Keytruda (pembrolizumab).
Ear cancer is rare, so most people who have the risk factors will never develop it. It’s helpful to know what the risk factors are, though, in order to be mindful of any abnormal skin growths around the ear. The most common risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds.
Chronic inflammation and cholesteatoma (abnormal noncancerous skin growth) within the external auditory canal and middle ear are also associated risk factors.Ear cancer is also commonly found in people with chronicotitis media(middleear infections).
Other risk factors include:
The best way to prevent skin cancer on the ear (or any area of the body) is to avoid and protect yourself from harmful UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed. When spending time outdoors, be mindful of how you’re taking care of your skin. Wear sun-protective clothing, especially a hat that shields your ears from the sun, and take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors.
When applying sunscreen, be vigilant about rubbing it into the skin on and around your ears. These places are often forgotten and can put you at higher risk of developing skin cancer. Look for a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 or higher and reapply often.
What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of cancer that can appear on the ear. The five-year survival rate for melanoma varies depending on the stage at diagnosis:
Other types of skin cancer have much better prognoses. Squamous cell carcinoma in the external auditory canal that has not spread to the bone has a 94.8% five-year survival rate. Once the cancer has spread to the point of causing facial weakness, the prognosis is much poorer: 19.1%.
For people with basal cell carcinoma that has spread to the temporal bone or external auditory canal, the five-year survival rate is 78%.
Summary
Skin cancer on the ear is most likely to be squamous or basal cell carcinoma. Melanoma is also possible, but much less common.
A healthcare provider can remove the lesion, have it tested for cancer, and develop a treatment plan if the cancer has spread. When caught early, skin cancer on the ear has a good prognosis.
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19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Q&A: Ear and temporal bone cancer.Beecher SM, Joyce CW, Elsafty N, et al.Skin malignancies of the ear.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016;4(1):e604. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000585Zainuddin N, Abdullah O.Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal in a patient with non-resolving ear discharge.Malays Fam Physician. 2015;10(2):52-4.Skin Cancer Foundation.Squamous cell carcinoma.Skin Cancer Foundation.Basal cell carcinoma.Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma.Allanson BM, Low TH, Clark JR, Gupta R.Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal and temporal bone: An update.Head Neck Pathol.2018;12(3):407-418. doi:10.1007/s12105-018-0908-4Cancer Research UK.Symptoms of advanced melanoma.American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.Skin cancer.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Prevent skin cancer.American Cancer Society.Surgery for basal and squamous cell skin cancers.Kappelin J, Nielsen K, Nilsson F, Bjellerup M, Ahnlide I.Surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma: a case series on factors influencing the risk of an incomplete primary excision.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020;34(11):2518-2525. doi:10.1111/jdv.16327.Yanez-Siller JC, Wentland C, Bowers K, Litofsky NS, Rivera AL.Squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone arising from cholesteatoma: A case report and review of the literature.J Neurol Surg Rep. 2022;83(1):e13-e18. doi:10.1055/s-0041-1741069Allanson BM, Low TH, Clark JR, Gupta R.Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal and temporal bone: An update.Head Neck Pathol. 2018;12(3):407-418. doi:10.1007/s12105-018-0908-4American Cancer Society.Basal and squamous cell skin cancer risk factors.Skin Cancer Foundation.Skin cancer prevention.Coker HB, Mountcastle EA.Primary malignant melanoma of the middle ear.Cutis. 2022;110(5):E12-4. doi:10.12788/cutis.0660Allanson BM, Low TH, Clark JR, Gupta R.Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal and temporal bone: An update.Head Neck Pathol. 2018;12(3):407-418. doi:10.1007/s12105-018-0908-4Breen JT, Roberts DB, Gidley PW.Basal cell carcinoma of the temporal bone and external auditory canal.Laryngoscope. 2018;128(6):1425-1430. doi:10.1002/lary.26785Additional ReadingCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin cancer risk factors.Deep NL, Glasgow AE, Habermann EB, Kasperbauer JL, Carlson ML.Melanoma of the external ear: A population-based study.Am J Otolaryngol. 2017;38(3):309-315. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2017.01.032.UCSF Health.Basal cell and squamous cell cancer signs and symptoms.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Q&A: Ear and temporal bone cancer.Beecher SM, Joyce CW, Elsafty N, et al.Skin malignancies of the ear.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016;4(1):e604. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000585Zainuddin N, Abdullah O.Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal in a patient with non-resolving ear discharge.Malays Fam Physician. 2015;10(2):52-4.Skin Cancer Foundation.Squamous cell carcinoma.Skin Cancer Foundation.Basal cell carcinoma.Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma.Allanson BM, Low TH, Clark JR, Gupta R.Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal and temporal bone: An update.Head Neck Pathol.2018;12(3):407-418. doi:10.1007/s12105-018-0908-4Cancer Research UK.Symptoms of advanced melanoma.American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.Skin cancer.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Prevent skin cancer.American Cancer Society.Surgery for basal and squamous cell skin cancers.Kappelin J, Nielsen K, Nilsson F, Bjellerup M, Ahnlide I.Surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma: a case series on factors influencing the risk of an incomplete primary excision.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020;34(11):2518-2525. doi:10.1111/jdv.16327.Yanez-Siller JC, Wentland C, Bowers K, Litofsky NS, Rivera AL.Squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone arising from cholesteatoma: A case report and review of the literature.J Neurol Surg Rep. 2022;83(1):e13-e18. doi:10.1055/s-0041-1741069Allanson BM, Low TH, Clark JR, Gupta R.Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal and temporal bone: An update.Head Neck Pathol. 2018;12(3):407-418. doi:10.1007/s12105-018-0908-4American Cancer Society.Basal and squamous cell skin cancer risk factors.Skin Cancer Foundation.Skin cancer prevention.Coker HB, Mountcastle EA.Primary malignant melanoma of the middle ear.Cutis. 2022;110(5):E12-4. doi:10.12788/cutis.0660Allanson BM, Low TH, Clark JR, Gupta R.Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal and temporal bone: An update.Head Neck Pathol. 2018;12(3):407-418. doi:10.1007/s12105-018-0908-4Breen JT, Roberts DB, Gidley PW.Basal cell carcinoma of the temporal bone and external auditory canal.Laryngoscope. 2018;128(6):1425-1430. doi:10.1002/lary.26785
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Q&A: Ear and temporal bone cancer.
Beecher SM, Joyce CW, Elsafty N, et al.Skin malignancies of the ear.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016;4(1):e604. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000585
Zainuddin N, Abdullah O.Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal in a patient with non-resolving ear discharge.Malays Fam Physician. 2015;10(2):52-4.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Squamous cell carcinoma.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Basal cell carcinoma.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma.
Allanson BM, Low TH, Clark JR, Gupta R.Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal and temporal bone: An update.Head Neck Pathol.2018;12(3):407-418. doi:10.1007/s12105-018-0908-4
Cancer Research UK.Symptoms of advanced melanoma.
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.Skin cancer.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Prevent skin cancer.
American Cancer Society.Surgery for basal and squamous cell skin cancers.
Kappelin J, Nielsen K, Nilsson F, Bjellerup M, Ahnlide I.Surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma: a case series on factors influencing the risk of an incomplete primary excision.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020;34(11):2518-2525. doi:10.1111/jdv.16327.
Yanez-Siller JC, Wentland C, Bowers K, Litofsky NS, Rivera AL.Squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone arising from cholesteatoma: A case report and review of the literature.J Neurol Surg Rep. 2022;83(1):e13-e18. doi:10.1055/s-0041-1741069
Allanson BM, Low TH, Clark JR, Gupta R.Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal and temporal bone: An update.Head Neck Pathol. 2018;12(3):407-418. doi:10.1007/s12105-018-0908-4
American Cancer Society.Basal and squamous cell skin cancer risk factors.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Skin cancer prevention.
Coker HB, Mountcastle EA.Primary malignant melanoma of the middle ear.Cutis. 2022;110(5):E12-4. doi:10.12788/cutis.0660
Breen JT, Roberts DB, Gidley PW.Basal cell carcinoma of the temporal bone and external auditory canal.Laryngoscope. 2018;128(6):1425-1430. doi:10.1002/lary.26785
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin cancer risk factors.Deep NL, Glasgow AE, Habermann EB, Kasperbauer JL, Carlson ML.Melanoma of the external ear: A population-based study.Am J Otolaryngol. 2017;38(3):309-315. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2017.01.032.UCSF Health.Basal cell and squamous cell cancer signs and symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin cancer risk factors.
Deep NL, Glasgow AE, Habermann EB, Kasperbauer JL, Carlson ML.Melanoma of the external ear: A population-based study.Am J Otolaryngol. 2017;38(3):309-315. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2017.01.032.
UCSF Health.Basal cell and squamous cell cancer signs and symptoms.
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