Learn about Ear Cancer Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Ear Cancer and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Ear Cancer

Ear cancer surgery, performed by a head and neck surgeon, is a specialized procedure to remove malignant tumors from the external, middle, or inner ear. The specific surgical approach, such as wide local excision, partial or total auriculectomy, temporal bone resection, or parotidectomy, depends on the tumor's location, type (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma), and stage. The primary goal is complete tumor removal with clear margins to prevent recurrence, while preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible. This often involves complex reconstruction to restore the ear's appearance and may be combined with lymph node dissection and adjuvant therapies like radiation. A multidisciplinary team ensures comprehensive care tailored to the patient's unique condition.

Key Highlights

    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).
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
  • checked 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.

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
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Anita Nagadi
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Head and Neck surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 950
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Satish Mane
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Head and Neck surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

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Dr. Venkata krishna Sandeep
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Head and Neck surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. Akshay Kudpaje
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Head and Neck surgeon
Speaks: English, Kannada, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Cytecare Hospital, Bangalore

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Dr. Visakan Jagadeesan
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Head and Neck surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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