Ear Canal Tumors in Cats
Key takeaways
Ear canal tumors in cats are masses that occur in the ear canal and can begin in the skin, sweat gland, and muscle tissues of the ear.
- This is an uncommon condition in cats with no primary known cause
- Incidence is higher in older cats, cats with a history of ear canal inflammation, and cats with excessive sun exposure
- Symptoms include a mass in the ears, aural discharge and odor, pruritus, bleeding, and inflammation and pain around the ear
- Diagnosis involves diagnostic imaging, blood work, and biopsy
- Treatment involves surgical removal of the tumors or ear as well as chemotherapy and radiation
- Prognosis is variable
- With benign tumors prognosis is better than those that are malignant or metastatic
- In cases where neurological symptoms are present, prognosis is very poor
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A closer look: Ear Canal Tumors in Cats
Tumors are formed by the mutation and rapid overgrowth of an individual’s own cells which leads to a large mass at the site of origin. In some cases, these tumors are benign and in others they are malignant and form a cancer. It is not known what causes these tumors in many cases. In some cases, the tumors can become metastatic and spread to other areas of the body.
Tumor types can vary and include primarily papillomas, basal cell tumors, and ceruminous gland adenoma which are benign tumors as well as ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma which are malignant.
This is an uncommon condition in cats and can vary in staging and prognosis.
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Risk factors
These tumors are more often seen in older cats and in those with a history of ear inflammation. It is also thought that excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of some types of ear canal tumors.
The symptoms depend on the type of the tumor. Ceruminous gland tumors (tumors of the sweat gland of the ear canal) often ulcerate, break open, and bleed. These also often spread over time into other structures of the ear.
Squamous cell carcinomas may have a similar appearance, or look like a wound that doesn’t heal.
Basal cell tumors are often solitary, firm masses that may arise from a stalk. They are usually hairless and may also ulcerate.
Advanced tumors that damage structures of the inner ear may cause neurological symptoms like circling and incoordination.
Possible causes
The causes of ear canal tumors are not currently known. Though there may be a link to the cat’s age, history of ear inflammation, or sun exposure.
Main symptoms
Testing and diagnosis
After a physical examination and medical history, a number of tests can determine the specific type and staging of an ear canal;
- Diagnostic imaging
- Blood work
- Biopsy
Steps to Recovery
Once an ear canal tumor is confirmed, a number of treatments can be utilized depending on the characteristics and metastasis staging of the tumor.
- Surgical removal of the tumor or ear
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
Prognosis is variable and depends on the type of tumor. In cases where the tumor is benign and can be completely removed, the prognosis is excellent. The prognosis is poor for malignant tumors, especially if they have metastasized. In cases where neurological symptoms have occurred, prognosis is very poor.
Prevention
The causes are not known for ear canal tumors so prevention is not possible. Reducing sun exposure may reduce the likelihood for squamous cell carcinoma. Staying vigilant to changes in the overall aural health can allow for earlier detection of all types of ear tumors.
Ear canal tumors are not contagious.
Is Ear Canal Tumors in Cats common?
Ear canal tumors are uncommon in cats.
Typical Treatment
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Palliative care
