In addition, most patients with extensive tumors will lose the hearing and balance functions of the inner ear. This means that the structures of the ear canal, drum, middle ear, and inner ear are removed in one piece. This technique reduces the possible spillage of tumor to adjacent sites, but provides a greater chance of cure. Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy is generally advised after tumor excision. In the very infirm, radiation therapy may be given in preference to surgery, but it is usually not successful in eradicating the tumor and providing a cure.
Radiation therapy is performed after surgery to counter tumor spillage into adjacent tissue.
The additional radiation therapy, which begins about four weeks after the operation, is aimed at destroying any cell nests or any tongues of tumor that are in adjacent areas. Staging of the Tumor Preoperative staging of the tumor, using imaging studies alone is extremely difficult. The most accurate staging of the tumor in squamous cell cancer of the ear is available after the surgical procedure itself. The Ear Surgery Information Center offers and maintains this web site to provide information of a general nature about the conditions requiring the services of an ear surgeon. The information is provided with the understanding that ESIC is not engaged in rendering surgical or medical advice or recommendations.