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What to do cartilage ear inflamed. Ear tumors: diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Signs of cancer in the human ear

Malignant tumor of the middle ear, auditory canal  or auricle  - ear cancer - is manifested by the formation of a node, bleeding granulations, ulcers. These early signs of ear cancer are most often accompanied by itching, noise, pain and discharge. Often there is unilateral hearing loss. However, the presence of certain symptoms depends on the type of tumor. In the case of the spread of malignant tumors, signs of lesion of the cranial nerves appear. The increase in regional lymph nodes is associated with lymphogenous metastasis.

The examination is carried out by a doctor, and blood tests are carried out to check the general health of the patient. Biopsy is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of ear cancer or any cancer in this regard. A biopsy is a test in which a small amount of tissue is taken from the affected area of ​​the ear and sent to the laboratory for examination. Local anesthesia gives numbness to the area, so the patient does not feel pain during the biopsy. It is difficult to take a biopsy of the middle ear, and the patient may require general anesthesia.

In some cases, the patient may need to perform these examinations before performing the biopsy. It is very difficult to take a biopsy from the inner ear, as this is an extremely difficult place to reach without damaging the surrounding structures. The stage of cancer is carried out depending on the size of the cancer and its degree, that is, it metastasizes or spreads to another part of the body. It is difficult to develop an intermediate system with rare cancer, because there are smaller patients who have this type of cancer, which makes it difficult to develop an intermediate system.

  Cancer classification and its symptoms depending on the type

Statistics show that ear cancer is about one percent of the total oncological diseases.

Gender difference is not fixed: men and women are equally at risk of the disease. Most often these are people after 40 years. Localization statistics has the following picture:

Cancer classification and its symptoms depending on the type

There are many different types of staging systems that are used to treat ear cancer. Usually, early ear cancer will be small and simply located in the area that it has developed. Slightly advanced ear cancer that has spread to the structures that surround it. Secondary or metastatic ear cancer is a cancer reference that metastasizes or spreads to another part of the body that is remote from where it started. Detecting an ear cancer stage helps the physician determine the type of treatment that needs to be performed.

  • 80% - auricle cancer,
  • 15% - a tumor of the ear canal,
  • 5% - a tumor in the middle ear.

There is a classification of ear tumors according to the criteria of localization, causality, type of growth, microscopic and histological structures. Based on the localization criterion, the disease can also affect the external one with separation into malignant tumors of the auricle and tumor of the external auditory canal.

T-staging for cancer in the ear canal and middle ear includes. T3: At this stage, tumor growth has spread or has spread to the adjacent salivary gland, which is a parotid gland or ear cancer has spread to the jaw joint or the base of the skull.

The main treatment for ear cancer, originating in the ear canal or middle ear, consists of surgery and radiation therapy. Depending on the stage of the cancer, the doctor may also decide to give the patient chemotherapy. Treatment for ear cancer depends on the following factors.

Signs of cancer in the human ear

  • The site of cancer in the ear.
  • Type of ear cancer.
  • Ear tumor size.
  • If the cancer has spread to surrounding areas or structures.
  • The general health of the patient.
Cancer patients who develop in the neck and head usually consult with a team of specialists and other health care professionals that include.

The causality factor allows us to divide this oncology into:

  • primary, when benign cells are transformed into malignant,
  • secondary, when the center of growth is in the nearby organs (eg, nasopharynx), with subsequent germination in the region of the hearing organs.

By the type of growth, exophytic tumors are distinguished, which grow in the lumen of the organ and endophytic tumors, which grow mainly inland. Histological examination reveals several types of lesions that develop with different speeds and external differences:

Oncologists who are specialists in the field of anticancer drugs and radiation therapy. A cancerous surgeon, including head and neck surgeons, who consist of ear, nose and throat surgeons, plastic surgeons and face and mouth surgeons.

  • Dentists.
  • Specialists nurses, nutritionists and physiotherapists.
The type of operation and the number of operations that are needed by the patient depend on the location of the cancer in the patient’s ear. A surgical procedure also depends on how much and where the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or to adjacent structures.

In 75% of cases it affects the skin of the face and head. This type of epithelioma accounts for about 25% of all cancers of the skin and mucous membranes. More susceptible to people of Caucasians with fair skin, quickly burning in the sun. Most often affects people older than 60 years, and in children mainly genetically caused tumors are fixed.

Symptoms of malignant ear tumors

During surgery, the surgeon removes the entire tumor along with the surrounding tissue, so that the patient is completely free of cancer cells. Getting clear margins will reduce the risk of cancer recurring. Ear cancer surgery involves the removal of part or all of the following.

  • Ear canal.
  • Middle ear.
  • Part or all of the temporary bone.
  • Inner ear.
Mastoidectomy: A temporary bone is a bone that is present near the ear, on the side of the skull. Temporary bone resection or mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure whereby the temporary bone is removed.

In 98% of cases metastasis lymphogenous way. Reaching the lymphatic system, the cancer cells spread through the lymphatic vessels, and lingering in the local lymph nodes begin to last. Hematogenous way with blood flow occurs in only 2% of cases.

  1. Basal cell carcinoma (basal cell carcinoma). It occurs more often on the skin of the face and neck. Basalioma is able to slowly grow into both subcutaneous tissue and nearby bone and muscle tissues, however, it either does not give metastases at all, or metastasis occurs at later stages.

In the initial stages, basalioma may look like a common pimple, which slowly grows in size without causing any painful sensations. A grayish crust forms in the center of the pimple. If it is removed, a temporary dimple remains on the skin, which soon again becomes covered with a crust. A specific sign of this neoplasm is the presence of a dense cushion around the tumor. The roller itself consists of fine-grained formations resembling miniature pearls, and becomes especially noticeable when the skin is stretched. Due to the expansion of the superficial vessels, the presence of spider veins is often noted.

Varieties and manifestations of malignant tumors

Removal of the facial nerve and lymph nodes: in rare cases, the facial nerve can be removed by a surgeon. Facial nerve  moves down the face and passes through the salivary gland. The surgeon may also need to remove the adjacent the lymph nodeswhich are present near the patient's neck and the salivary gland that is present on the side of the patient's head.

This surgical wound is often present behind the ear, and after surgery the patient will have stitches and may also have a bandage covering the wound. The patient will also have one or two small tubes near the wound to drain any fluid from the area. This will help reduce the swelling. A couple of days will be needed before the liquid stops to merge with these pipes, after which they are removed. Pain relievers to relieve pain. In addition, how much a patient’s auditory ability will depend on the type of operation the patient has.

If there are several nodular foci, they may eventually merge.

When sprouting basal cell carcinoma into the surrounding tissues, a pronounced pain syndrome occurs. Depending on the form of the disease, the symptoms may vary:

The disease most often develops people after 40 years. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight directly contributes to its occurrence. In the area of ​​risk - light-skinned people, as well as - in contact with carcinogens and toxic substances.

If mean and inner ear  surgically removed, the patient may not hear from this side. The patient's balance is also affected, and dizziness may also occur in the patient. In some cases, the surgeon is able to restore part of the hearing to restore the patient's hearing.

The appearance of the patient: the change in the patient's appearance will be insignificant, as the surgeon will try to use methods for removing the tumor and try to restore the area as much as possible so that the patient does not look different. The scar line is often present behind the ear or in the natural crease on the patient’s face. It is important that the patient and the surgeon communicate with each other and talk about the operation and the consequences of the operation in how it affects the patient's hearing, appearance and nutrition.

  1. Sarcoma. A very rare tumor in this localization that arises from the underlying "immature" connective tissue. Depending on the affected tissue, chondrosarcoma (cartilaginous), osteosarcoma (bone), myosarcoma (muscular), liposarcoma (fat) are distinguished. It is characterized by slow growth in the auricle and rapid growth in the ear canal. Sarcomas, unlike other cancers, are not “tied” to specific organs.
  2. Melanoma. A rapidly developing, but rare disease for this site. Malignant neoplasm occurs due to atypical degeneration of melanocytes - pigment cells. The occurrence of this pathology in people with dark skin is unlikely, however, in the disease statistics, there is also a familial predisposition.

A variety of shape, texture and color of melanoma makes it difficult to self-diagnose the appearance of education. Melanoma can be of almost any shape and contain inclusions of several colors in the range from gray-black and brown to blue and pink-purple. There are depigmented formations. More often than elastic, melanoma has a dense texture. A characteristic feature of melanoma is the absence of skin pattern formation on the surface. External manifestations depend on the form of the disease:

Radiation Therapy for Ear Cancer

It is a cancer treatment that uses high energy rays that focus on the cancer area to kill or destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be performed as a primary treatment for ear cancer, or it can be used when the surgeon cannot have a clear edge of the tissue surrounding the tumor. In such cases, radiation therapy reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. The patient receives radiation therapy usually every day for 4 and 7 weeks.

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs are known as cytotoxic drugs. Only chemotherapy cannot cure ear cancer; however, it can help relieve symptoms if there is a recurrence of ear cancer or if the patient does not have other treatments. Chemotherapy can also be used in combination with radiation therapy before or after surgery. Studies are still being conducted to find the best course of treatment that will cure ear cancer.

  • Surface-spreading on appearance looks like a black or brown non-convex pigment spot of 5 mm or less in size. A period of lack of growth above the skin surface can last up to 7 years. The vertical phase is accompanied by a sharp activation of the oncological process.
  • The nodal form, is still similar to a mushroom or a polyp. Color varies between blue and red and black. Despite the vertical structure of the formation, the horizontal growth phase is also fixed in the process.
  • Lentigo-melanoma in the horizontal phase can last 10-20 years. When moving to the vertical phase, the lesion becomes uneven in color, and the edges become uneven.

The division of the cancer process into 4 stages is used in clinical practice  to determine the type of cancer spread.

Some chemotherapeutic drugs for ear cancer include cisplatin and fluorouracil. The patient should be examined regularly after the completion of ear cancer treatment. During these examinations, the doctor asks about the general condition of the patient and checks the patient's ear. The frequency of checks will depend on the situation of the patient. Subsequent checks will be carried out every 2 or 3 months, and the frequency will decrease over time.

Acoustic neuromas - sometimes called vestibular schwannomas or neurolepmomas - usually grow slowly over several years. Although they do not actually invade them, they can progress as they grow. Large tumors can put pressure on nearby cranial nerves that control facial muscles and sensation. If the tumors become large enough to press down on the trunk or cerebellum, they can be fatal.

  1. In the first stage, the skin of the outer ear and the middle mucous membrane are affected.
  2. In the second stage, the subject and the bone structures of the middle within the compact layer are affected.
  3. For the third stage is characterized by going beyond the boundaries of the compact layer with the defeat of regional lymph nodes.
  4. A tumor affects adjacent anatomical structures, and conglomerates of infected lymph nodes are formed, which also includes deep cervical lymph nodes.

  Specificity of malignant neoplasms of the organs of hearing

Asymptomatic initial stage in cancer of the outer ear is replaced by noticeable itching, noise, and localized pain. An ulcer, granulation or knot that affects the ear canal, bleed more often than the formation that affects the auricle. In addition to blood, mucus or pus can be released.

The early symptoms of acoustic neuroma are often subtle. Many people attribute symptoms to normal changes in aging, so it may be some time before the condition is diagnosed. The first symptom is usually a gradual hearing loss in one ear, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the ear. Less commonly, acoustic neuromas can cause sudden changes.

Other symptoms that may occur over time include. Problems with balance. Feeling of the face and tingling, which may be permanent or come and go. Facial changes in taste. Difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. Awkwardness or instability. Confusion. It is very important to see your doctor if you experience these symptoms. Symptoms, such as clumsiness and mental confusion, can signal a serious problem that requires urgent treatment.

Hearing impairment begins with germination in the internal divisions, which is accompanied by:

  • increased pain intensity
  • paralysis of facial muscles (with a lesion of the facial nerve),
  • intracranial complications.

Symptoms of middle ear cancer in the initial stages are reminiscent of chronic otitis media. As characteristic features, suppuration and hearing loss are most common.

Treatment of a benign ear tumor

Acoustic neuromas are the most common of these tumors and are often found in both ears by age. This means that the vast majority are sporadic. Doctors do not know what causes the sporadic form. One of the known risk factors for acoustic neuroma is exposure to high doses, especially on the head and neck.

There are three main treatments for acoustic neuroma. Observational surgery Radiation therapy. . Observation is also called watchful waiting. Since acoustic neuromas are not cancerous and grow slowly, immediate treatment may not be necessary. Often, doctors monitor the tumor with a periodic scan and suggest a different treatment if the tumor grows much or causes serious symptoms.

Appear granulation in the auditory canal, the growth of which gradually becomes more active and is accompanied by bleeding. Hearing impairment is progressing. Pain syndrome increases with the germination of underlying tissues (pain while radiating to the neck and temple).

In the case of involvement in the oncological process of nearby anatomical structures, symptoms of their defeat appear: sharp pains  with the involvement of nerves (trigeminal, facial), muscle paralysis, impaired swallowing and motor function lower jaw. The movement of the tumor towards the brain is characterized by the development of carcinomatous meningitis. The “hurt” internal carotid artery begins to bleed profusely.

Surgery for acoustic neurosis may involve the removal of all or part of a tumor. There are three main surgical approaches for the removal of acoustic neuroma. The surface of this approach is that it allows the surgeon to clearly see the important cranial nerve before removing the tumor. This approach can be used to remove tumors of any size and makes it possible to preserve hearing. The middle fossa, which includes the removal of a small piece of bone above the ear canal to access and remove small tumors, limited by the internal auditory canal, a narrow passage from the brain to the middle and inner ear. Using this approach may allow surgeons to preserve the hearing of the patient. This procedure is used for tumors larger than 3 centimeters. . A newer, less invasive method, called complete endoscopic resection, allows surgeons to remove acoustic neuromas with a small camera inserted through a hole in the skull.

  Diagnosis and treatment options

The diagnosis is carried out on the basis of otoscopy, X-ray (with a middle ear tumor), histological and cytological studies. The direction and volume of the affected area is determined by MRI and CT of the brain. In the case of, oncology is distinguished from tuberculoma, weeping eczema, lupus erythematosus, ear inflammation and benign neoplasms. In middle ear cancer, it is differentiated from temporal bone osteomyelitis, chronic purulent otitis, tuberculosis, syphilis, carotid hemodectomy.

Treatment and prognosis depend on the neglect of the disease and the level of involvement of neighboring anatomical structures in the pathological process:

If growth of a neoplasm is limited by the zone of the tympanic cavity, a cure is possible after radical surgery. When affecting the bones (malar and main), middle cranial fossa, carotid artery and meningeal membranes, the prognosis is poor.

When the ear cartilage hurts, the person feels the strongest discomfort. Pain can radiate to other parts of the head, sore ear  it becomes very sensitive, against the background of which sleep is disturbed, irritability increases.

Why does the ear cartier hurt? A variety of factors can provoke such a disorder - mechanical damage, frostbite, infectious diseases, inflammation, neuralgia, lymph node size, osteoarthritis, allergic reaction  organism and so on.

The treatment of this disorder is prescribed taking into account the factor that provoked its occurrence. Further, we will examine in detail the reasons for which the ear cartilage most often hurts and the methods of treatment in each specific case.

  Injury

Why can ear and, in particular, hryashchik? To such a violation often leads. Puncture of cartilage, a strong blow can cause a bruise, tissue damage, the development of the inflammatory process. Painful sensations in this area can occur under the influence of negative environmental factors - strong cold wind, burns, frostbite, chemicals on the skin.

In this case, the wound is treated with an antiseptic, in the formation of a hematoma, an ointment with a resorptional effect is used, a dry dressing is used. In the process of tissue healing, pronounced itching occurs. Antihistamines can be used to eliminate discomfort.

Inflammation of the cartilage of the auricle can be combined with damage to the outer ear.

In this case, a medical ointment (Flucinar, Vishnevsky ointment) is applied to a cotton swab and inserted into the ear canal after pre-cleansing the ear cavity.

Serious injury to the ear canal requires use antibacterial drugs  systemic action (Amoxycycline, Augmentin). This will prevent the development of infection.

Occurrence severe pain in cartilage may be due to partial separation of the auricle (complete separation is also possible). In this situation, emergency surgical assistance is required. A part of the auricle is placed in a cold tank and urgently delivered to the emergency room, where specialists will perform plastic surgery. It is also possible the development of the inflammatory process, which may adversely affect the outcome of the operation.

If the cartilage of the auricle hurts, the cause may be an allergic reaction of the body. This disorder is more susceptible to people suffering from dryness of the ear canal due to insufficient production earwax. Hypersensitivity reactions may develop under the influence of a fungus that is able to easily penetrate the ear cavity and begin to actively proliferate.

The development of allergies, in which the auricle hurt the outside and cartilage, possibly due to excessive accumulation of sulfur in the ear cavity. Sulfur closes the ear canal, as a result, hearing is reduced. To eliminate the sulfur plugs, an in-hospital specialist rinses the ear or instils special drops that promote the discharge of sulfur.

Painful sensations in cartilage and a feeling of constriction in the ear cavity are often observed in patients with allergic rhinitis.

  Neuralgia and pathology of the jaw joint

The cartilages of the ears often hurt when inflammation of the intermediate, trigeminal, glossopharyngeal nerves. In occipital neuralgia, pain occurs in the outer part of the ears. Inflammation trigeminal nerve, most often, occurs only on one side and develops near the auricle. With the development of the inflammatory process in the nerve trunks near the face, the pain is localized in. In the ear cavity, there is pressure, severe pain with a wide opening of the mouth, after 3-4 days a rash of a herpetic nature is formed on the skin. To solve the problem, medications with anesthetic effect, vitamin complexes, and physiotherapeutic procedures are used.

In case of inflammation of the temporomandibular jaw joint  painful sensations develop in the jaw, the pain extends to the area of ​​the ears. Jaw movements cause pain in the cartilage of the affected joint. The wide opening of the mouth is accompanied by a click. For the treatment of arthritis of the joint, it is necessary to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, perform physiotherapy procedures and special exercises. In the case of development of deforming osteoarthritis of the jaw joint, the movement of the jaw is difficult, which is accompanied by tension and painful sensations in the ear cartilage.

Inflammation can develop in the outer, middle, inner ear. In external otitis, ear cartilage often hurts, and pain also occurs in the area of ​​the shell itself.

The cause of pain is most often bacteria that penetrate the ear canal and cause the development of the inflammatory process.

Inflammation in the outer ear can be the result. mechanical injury  cartilage. Against this background, the development of furunculosis (inflammation of the sebaceous glands) is possible. The course of pathological processes is complicated by the presence of other disorders - a decrease in the body's defenses, diabetes mellitus, a deficiency of vitamins in the body, a staphylococcal infection. In this case, the pain in the ear can be quite intense, especially during movements of the jaw.

Bacteria and fungi that penetrate ear tissue can trigger the development of otitis media. Painful sensations in this case occur both inside and outside the ear. Pathology can spread to eardrum. The ear cartilages with perechondritis are very painful - an infectious damage to the tissues of the ear cartilage. Painful sensations  mastoiditis is accompanied in the whole ear - inflammation mastoid  temporal bone, which is located behind the auricle. With this violation, there is a pronounced swelling of the posterior ear region.

Development inflammatory processes  in the ear it is accompanied by a decrease in hearing, an increase in temperature values, secretions from the ear canal and a deterioration in general well-being.

Painful sensations in the ear cavity can develop against the background of parotitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, an increase in nearby lymph nodes, inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.

In such cases therapeutic measures  appointed based on the underlying disease. In one case, warm compresses are shown, in the other, they are strictly contraindicated (for example, at elevated temperatures). In case of development infectious diseases  The use of antibacterial agents, which are used strictly by appointment of a specialist, is required.

In medicine, there is such a thing as "swimmer's ear." In people swimming professionally, the ear is almost constantly in contact with water. Under the constant influence of moisture, the skin of the ear swells and softens. As a result, infectious agents can easily penetrate the ear cavity and cause inflammation of the shell, cartilage, eardrum.

In order to eliminate the liquid, a thin and long cotton flagellum should be inserted into the ear canal, which will quickly absorb excess moisture. In order to prevent such a disorder, it is recommended to swim in a rubber cap and use ear plugs. You should also avoid swimming in dirty waters.

Any abnormalities that occur in the ear area can lead to complete hearing loss. Therefore, it is necessary to treat these disorders correctly and in a timely manner. Located near the brain and optic nerves, so inadequate treatment can lead to irreversible serious consequences.