About Ear Cancer
Key Highlights
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Performed by specialized head and neck surgeons with expertise in complex ear anatomy.Aims for complete cancer removal (clear surgical margins) to maximize cure rates.Tailored approach, from minor excision to major resection, based on precise tumor staging.Often includes immediate reconstructive surgery to restore ear appearance and function.Integrated with a multidisciplinary team (oncologists, radiologists) for comprehensive care planning.Can be combined with sentinel lymph node biopsy to check for cancer spread./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of primary malignant ear tumor (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma).
- Cancer localized to the pinna (external ear), external auditory canal, or middle ear structures.
- Tumors that have not responded to or recurred after non-surgical treatments like radiotherapy.
- Presence of persistent, non-healing ulcers, painful lesions, or bleeding growths on the ear.
- Evidence of local invasion into nearby bone (temporal bone) or soft tissues.
- As part of a treatment plan that may include neck dissection for suspected lymph node metastasis.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including biopsy, high-resolution CT/MRI scans, and possibly a PET scan for staging.
- Pre-operative counseling with the surgical and anesthesia teams to discuss the procedure, risks, and outcomes.
- Routine blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for surgery and anesthesia.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the scheduled surgery time.
- Arranging for support and leave from work, as recovery can require significant time.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, or blood clots.
- Specific risks: Hearing loss (conductive or sensorineural), tinnitus (ringing in the ear), or dizziness.
- Facial nerve injury, which can lead to temporary or permanent facial weakness or paralysis.
- Changes in ear appearance, contour, or symmetry, even with reconstruction.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, a rare but serious complication if the surgery involves the middle/inner ear or skull base.
- Local recurrence of cancer or the need for additional surgeries or treatments.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and wound care.
- Head elevation and keeping the surgical site dry and clean as per instructions to prevent infection.
- Pain medication and possibly antibiotics will be prescribed for home use.
- Avoidance of strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and air travel for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointments for suture removal, dressing changes, and assessment of healing.
- Long-term follow-up for oncologic surveillance, hearing tests, and possible rehabilitation (e.g., physical therapy for facial nerve function).
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 weeks for initial healing; up to 6 months for full functional recovery and final cosmetic outcome
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering ear cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with head and neck surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ear cancer. MediFyr helps you compare head and neck surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for ear cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 600 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 3-6 weeks for initial healing; up to 6 months for full functional recovery and final cosmetic outcome | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 2.1 Million | 3-7 days | ~ 3-6 weeks for initial healing; up to 6 months for full functional recovery and final cosmetic outcome | Know More |
Anika Bhatia, a 58-year-old retired school...
Anika Bhatia, a 58-year-old retired school librarian from Mumbai, had always been an avid listener of classical music. For over a year, she dismissed a persistent, dull ache in her right ear as a stubborn infection or a side effect of her mild hypertension. When a small, painless lump appeared behind her ear and her hearing on that side became muffled, her GP referred her to a specialist. A biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal. Dr. Sharma, a head and neck surgeon, recommended a lateral temporal bone resection to remove the tumor while attempting to preserve as much hearing and facial nerve function as possible. Anika was terrified, not just of the cancer, but of losing her connection to music. The surgery was complex but successful. Her recovery involved weekly wound care and initial dizziness, but her facial nerve was intact. While she has moderate conductive hearing loss in that ear, she uses a hearing aid and can still enjoy her ragas. Emotionally, she moved from profound fear and grief over the potential loss of a sense so tied to her identity, to a resilient gratitude. She now volunteers, sharing her story to encourage early check-ups.
Head and Neck surgeons for Ear Cancer
Explore experienced head and neck surgeons who regularly perform ear cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Head and Neck surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Head and Neck surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Head and Neck surgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Head and Neck surgeon
- 17 Years Experience
- Head and Neck surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai