Squamous Cell Cancer of the Middle Ear

Squamous cell tumors of the middle ear are very uncommon. Most patients who present with squamous cell tumors are known to have chronic ear infections. The correlation between the infections and tumors is still undetermined. Symptoms include pain, hearing loss, facial paralysis, and bleeding for an extended time. The only way to diagnose these tumors is by a biopsy of the tissue. Once the biopsy report comes back positive for malignancy, a MRI or CT must be attained before surgery may be performed. These modalities allow the surgeon to know the extent of the tumor. A MRI can be used to see the extent of the tumor into soft tissues. More importantly the parotid gland and the dura of the brain. Once the tumor has spread to the dura, chances of curing squamous cell cancer are not promising. CT scans can show the extensive damage to the surrounding bones. The prognosis for patients depends on how invasive the cancer has become. Squamous cell cancer of the middle ear can be fatal if left untreated. Once diagnosed patients are rushed into surgery. The treatment plan will also include radiation therapy.