Itchy ears do not indicate cancer. Common clinical causes of itchy ears may be related to cerumen irritation of the external auditory canal, eczema of the external auditory canal, fungal otitis externa. Middle ear cancer may also cause itchy ears due to the stimulation of secretions in the middle ear cavity, but it is relatively rare in clinical practice.
1. Cerumen irritation of the external auditory canal: a small amount of cerumen may be dislodged in the deep part of the external auditory canal or on the surface of the eardrum, and the irritation of cerumen may cause itchy ears. Symptoms can be relieved with cerumen flushing or cerumen removal under an otoscope.
2. Eczema of the external auditory canal: it may be related to allergic reactions, mental factors, and neurological dysfunction, and manifests as rash, itching, and localized oozing at the external auditory canal opening. It is necessary to ameliorate the undesirable irritating factors, and to use glucocorticosteroid ointment, e.g., antihistamine drugs such as loratadine, etc., for symptomatic treatment.
3. Fungal otitis externa: the clinical symptoms are itchy ear canal, accompanied by a sense of blockage, overflow. It is necessary to clean up the fungal mass in the ear canal and give anti-fungal drugs, such as ketoconazole cream, fluconazole ear drops and other symptomatic treatment.
4. Middle ear cancer: Clinical symptoms often include earache, ear pus, hearing loss, secretion of pale blood, and itchy ear caused by secretion stimulating the ear canal. It is necessary to combine with otoscopy, temporal bone CT and other examinations to make it clear, and surgery combined with radiotherapy and other comprehensive treatments are needed.
So we can’t say that itchy ears predict cancer. If the symptoms of itchy ears occur, it is also recommended to go to the hospital in time, after a clear diagnosis, follow the doctor’s instructions for medication and treatment.