Ear masses can be caused by various medical conditions, from benign ear cysts to tumors. Treatment is supervised by an ENT doctor and may involve other specialists. Symptoms include tinnitus, hearing problems, dizziness, and an itchy feeling. Some types of ear masses can be treated surgically, while others can be fatal if left untreated. It’s important to seek treatment and follow diagnostic recommendations.
An ear mass is a lump, which can be found in the inner or outer ear. Ear masses can be caused by a wide variety of medical conditions, ranging from benign ear cysts to neuromas, tumors that grow on the facial nerve and sometimes invade the ear. Treatment is usually supervised by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor and may also involve an oncologist and other specialist doctors, depending on the nature of the lump.
Masses on the outer ear are commonly seen and may be palpable. For example, if someone develops a cyst in their earlobe due to an infection, it can be seen and heard easily. Masses inside the ear can usually only be seen with special equipment. Someone with an ear mass may experience symptoms such as one-sided tinnitus, hearing problems in only one ear, dizziness, and an itchy or scratchy feeling in the ear. The mass can also produce a strong smell of exhaust.
A common form of ear cancer is exostosis or osteoma. These tumors are made up of new bone that grows over existing bone, commonly in response to stress, such as frequent exposure to cold water. This type of ear mass can be treated surgically. It is also possible to develop polyps or cysts within the ear, some of which may be benign in nature. An ENT can examine the ear, take a sample for biopsy to determine what’s causing it, and make recommendations for treatment.
Some more unusual types of ear masses include paragangliomas, a type of growth that was once known as glomus tumors and cholesteatomas. Cholesteatomas, which are destructive growths, can erode the bone inside the ear if left untreated and can be fatal. Fortunately, these malignant masses are usually identified early, allowing your doctor to act quickly to remove the growth before it has a chance to cause damage to your ear.
The ear is close to the brain, and a mass in the ear can be cause for concern; if malignant, these growths can eventually reach the brain. For this reason, it is important to seek treatment for any symptoms or masses you notice, and to follow diagnostic recommendations so that the nature of the mass can be determined. Once the mass has been thoroughly investigated, your doctor will be able to make recommendations on how to proceed with treatment.
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