Are you wondering why some people get ear cancer and others don't? Is there something that puts some individuals at greater risk of developing this kind of malignancy? The answer to both these questions is yes, as research has shown there are certain factors which can influence the development of ear cancer. In this article, we will look into the causes of ear cancer in order to reduce one's chances of developing such a serious form of cancer.
How is Ear Cancer Caused?
You may be wondering, what causes ear cancer? Exposure of the outer ear skin or pinna to the sun for several years results in basal skin or squamous cell cancer near the temporal bone, which spreads and affects different structures of the ear. However, research has shown that, apart from sun exposure, certain other risk factors increase the likelihood of ear cancer, which include:
- Fair skin: People with fair skin have more chances of developing skin cancer and, therefore, ear cancer.
- Exposure to the sun for long hours without protection: UV rays from the sun increase the chances of skin cancer, which can lead to the development of ear cancer.
- Frequent ear infections: Ear infections result in inflammation of the ear, which may cause cellular changes and cancer in the ear.
- Ageing: According to research, people over 70 have a higher chance of developing skin cancer. Cellular changes occurring with age can act as triggers for the development of ear cancer.