Skin cancer on ears is more common than not, since ears see significant sunlight exposure. But what does skin cancer on the ear look like? We’re taking a look at the types of skin cancer on ears and what symptoms to be aware of in this overview.

Types of Skin Cancer on Ear

There are three types of skin cancer on ears: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most serious ear skin cancer, as it is more likely to spread to other surrounding tissues. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are considered non-melanoma skin cancers and are highly treatable when caught early. 

Body parts that are not commonly covered by clothing typically absorb more sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays, making them more susceptible to skin cancer. UV rays can be very damaging to skin cells, forcing them to regenerate at an accelerated rate. The face, head, neck, and ears are very common areas for skin cancer to develop due to their repeated sun exposure. 

What Does Skin Cancer on the Ear Look Like? 

Being aware of the early signs of skin cancer is one of the most valuable steps towards early intervention and treatment. There are a variety of skin cancer on ear symptoms, including differences in how it can appear. The most notable early warning signs are scaly skin or tiny white bumps around the outer ear; any skin abnormalities around the ear canal or outer ear should be evaluated by a dermatologist as soon as possible. 

As skin cancer on the ear continues to develop, it can look like: 

• Open sores or lesions
• Pink growths 
• Red patches
• Shiny bumps
• Scaly patches 

Skin cancer growths may bleed or crust over depending on their severity, with a possibility of puss. While skin cancer is typically a slow-developing disease, it can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated, especially from the ear to the face. Performing annual skin exams is a good way to stay on top of any changes in your appearance. 

Skin Cancer on Ear Treatments

For the various types of skin cancer on ears, there are multiple treatment options. Your specific diagnosis will dictate your treatment plan, but the most common methods are:

• Mohs surgery: This procedure involves a surgeon cutting out the cancerous cells from the skin.
• IG-SRT: This method uses radiotherapy to break down and damage cancerous cells without cutting or scarring but with the same results as surgery. 

IG-SRT is the Non-Invasive Treatment for Skin Cancer on Ear

Now that you know what skin cancer on the ear looks like, talk to your dermatologist about treatment options. GentleCure is the new non-surgical gold standard in non-melanoma skin cancer treatment; learn more about how it works to see whether or not it’s right for you.