Most of us have become more diligent in applying sunscreen since it is clear that UV ray exposure to the skin is a major cause of skin cancer. However, it is hard to remember to rub sunscreen on our ears and they are frequently overlooked. Perhaps that is why the ear is the third most common location for basal cell skin cancer occurrence. Skin cancer of the ear does occur more often in men than women, but women are still at risk.
In a study reported by Dr. Kelley Pagliai at www.skincancer.org, of the 102 patients seen with skin cancer on their ears, 88 were men while only 14 were women. Another study of 656 people with squamous cell cancers of the ear all occurred to men.
Men typically have shorter hairstyles, combined with a lack of sunscreen use, are thought to contribute to their greater development of skin cancer of the ear. However, women are not immune as they often wear their hair up or also have short, thin hair that does not cover their ears.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is caused by an uncontrolled overgrowth of cells and is the most common type of cancer Americans are diagnosed. Skin cancer is typically divided into the three types. Basal cell cancers are the most common and typically do not spread to other parts of the body. Squamous cell cancers are more serious, occur on the outermost flat skin layer and can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma occurs in the cells that give our skin its color called melanocytes and are the most dangerous if it spreads to the lymph nodes and to other parts of the body.
Basal cell and squamous cell are considered non-melanoma skin cancers and it is estimated that there are over 1.3 million new cases each year. Treatment is determined by the size and location of the cancer and may include: surgical removal, topical creams, use of a curette to scrape away the growth followed by a mild electric current to destroy any remaining cells and a special surgery called Moh’s procedure that carefully removes thin sections of the lesion a little at a time.
Prevention:
● Approximately an ounce of sunscreen is supposed to be applied to the entire body but people typically only apply ¼ that amount. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2-3 hours with a sunscreen that has an SPF over 30. It is important to cover areas that take a little extra effort such as your ears when rubbing sunscreen on your face.
● Wear the type of hat that not only protects your face from the sun but covers your ears especially if you will be outside in the sun for many hours.
● Perform total body checks for skin cancer once a month following the “ABCDE” method I described in my article on Foot Melanoma, another often overlooked site of skin cancer. https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/08/24/foot-melanoma-often-overlooked Feel around your ears for irregularities in the skin and use a mirror to examine their backs.
Skin cancer can occur in any part of the front, back or rim of the ear. If caught early, treatment will hopefully prevent further spread or complications. Remember, give your ears a little massage everyday--with sunscreen and remind the men in your life to do the same.
Sources:
http://www.skincancer.org/
http://www.medicinenet.com/skin_cancer/article.htm
http://skincancer.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/a/bcctreatments.htm
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele can be read at http://www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles