Malignant tumors of the outer ear

Abstract

According to the literature, the head and neck are the most common site for tumors with a ratio of almost 90%. Almost 6-10% of malignant neoplasms of the skin of the head and neck are located in the auricular or periauricular region. Carcinomas located in the external auditory canal (EAC) are extremely rare and account for 0.2% of all tumors in the head and neck region. Compared with other anatomical regions of the body, all types of ear tumors have a more aggressive course of the disease. Lesions of the skin of the external ear may require rapid and accurate evaluation by otolaryngologists, dermatologists, oncologists, and surgeons. Both melanotic and non-melanotic malignancies of the ear have a high probability of recurrence and metastasis, so early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions are vital. Diagnosis of malignant neoplasms of the skin of the outer ear may be missed or detected at an invasive stage, as they may not be visible to the naked eye, may be covered by skin or located in the external auditory canal. The treatment approach is still a subject of debate among physicians, as a satisfactory outcome, aesthetics and preserved ear function must be considered simultaneously. Poor prognosis despite the variety of treatment methods, structural and anatomical features of the outer ear, certain surgical risks and recurrence rates also pose a great challenge for reconstructive and oncological treatments.