This Publication Is Searchable The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Section 7. Ear, Nose, And Throat Disorders Chapter 83. Tumors Sebaceous cysts, osteomas, and keloids may arise in and occlude the ear canal, causing retention of cerumen and a conductive hearing loss.
Excision is the treatment of choice.
Ceruminomas arise in the outer third of the ear canal. Although these neoplasms appear benign histologically, they behave in a malignant manner and should be excised widely. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas frequently develop on the pinna after regular exposure to the sun. Early lesions can be successfully treated with cautery and curettage or radiation therapy. More advanced lesions affecting the cartilage require surgical excision of V-shaped wedges or of larger portions of the pinna.