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Signs & Symptoms of Ear Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is mainly caused by prolonged or extensive exposure to the sun or UV light, which includes tanning beds. It is more commonly found in fair-skinned and light-eyed individuals, as well as those with a family history of cancers. It has also been attributed to people who have had severe sunburns as children. The ears are a common area for skin cancers because they are exposed often to the sun, which makes it important to know what signs and symptoms to look for.

  1. Moles or Marks

    • Keep an eye out for any new marks or moles or any identifiable change in the skin of your ears. Look for changes in the color or size of any existing marks or moles on your ears. Also look for rough patches with a very well-defined border. Locate areas of discoloration with unidentifiable borders.

    Lesions

    • Look for areas of your ear that have lesions or sores in the center. These lesions or sores might discharge fluid or bleed, or they may be irritated around the outer edges and appear red or pink. They may be scaly or rough in texture and appear flaky. Some may also have a wart-like appearance and be raised. Also watch for sores that won't heal with normal treatments in a reasonable amount of time, generally defined as about two weeks.

    Changes in Appearance on Existing Marks

    • The skin on a mole or bump becomes scaly or begins to form a scab or sore. Any blood or oozing of fluid from the site. The area may have a pearlescent border. Suspected areas may become larger in size or the color may become darker or lighter. The area may also become more firm or lumpy.

    Pigmentation

    • The dark coloring exceeds the area of the mole or mark. The color itself changes or is inconsistent over the surface of the area. Irritation may present as redness around lesions or sores. The area may have a mottled appearance, lighter brown with darker brown or black areas or varying color.

    Change in Sensation

    • The area becomes itchy or painful. It may become more tender or sensitive to touch. These areas may also present with no pain at all.

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