Ear Cancer Management

The ear is divided into 3 parts, the external ear, the middle ear and the internal ear. The external ear involves the pinna and the external auditory canal which is separated from the middle ear by the tympanic membrane/eardrum. The middle ear contains 3 little bones namely the Malleus, Incus and Stapes, which play an important role in conduction of sound and hearing. These bones connect the external ear to the internal ear. The middle ear is connected to the nasopharynx by the Eustachian Tube. The internal ear/ inner ear contains the vestibular canals which are crucial for maintaining balance. Rarely cancer may affect any of the three parts of the ear, external and middle ear cancers being commoner.