What is ear cancer? We all know that another name for cancer is malignant tumor. Ear cancer, as the name implies, is a malignant tumor that occurs in the ear area. Ear cancer mainly occurs in the auricle, outer ear canal and middle ear. In the early stage, it appears as a flaky papule, scratching may cause bleeding, and gradually develops into a hard node, followed by surface erosion, ulceration or formation of cauliflower-like swelling. What are the symptoms of ear cancer? Ear pain Like most cancers, pain is the most early symptom of ear cancer, usually paroxysmal or stabbing pain and paroxysmal pain. In advanced stages, the pain becomes more intense and persistent, and progresses to the face and neck. Ear pus or bleeding Due to infection causing papular granules in the ear canal, ear pus or bleeding can easily occur when stimulated by external force. Tinnitus or hearing loss After ear cancer, a foreign body will grow in the ear, making tinnitus appear, and hearing loss will occur in severe cases. Neurological symptoms In the later stage of ear cancer, as the symptoms get worse, the nerves in the face and neck will be involved, causing nerve paralysis. Why does ear cancer come to us? In life, many people have the habit of taking out their ears, but this most common habit can easily become the trigger for ear cancer. Medical research shows that ear cancer is mainly triggered by viral infection and chronic irritation. The ear digging spoon, if not disinfected in time or not cleaned properly, will carry germs, which will enter the ear canal when people pull out their ears – triggering viral infection; earwax, also called cerumen, which is secreted by human body, is a kind of oil and has a protective effect on the ear canal, but pulling out ears for years will not only destroy this protective film, but also cause chronic stimulation to the ear canal. Long-term ear pulling can damage the skin of the external ear canal, cause otitis media, and lead to ear canal papillomas, which are diseases that stimulate the ear canal and thus induce cancer. Besides the most direct and common cause of ear-pulling, viral infection in the ear, vascular lesions in the ear, and rupture of the inner ear window membrane can also induce ear cancer, but with relatively low probability. Can you still pull out your ears happily? Those who love to pull out their ears may be crying: Can I still pull out my ears happily with this ……? Don’t worry, of course you can! How can I have a healthy ear? The best way to get healthy and enjoyable? The best thing to do is to use cotton swabs. Cotton swabs are softer than sharp ear-digging spoons and prevent scratching of the ear canal when digging. Don’t do it too often Normally, earwax will fall out on its own as the body yawns, stretches and other activities. Therefore, in order to effectively remove earwax, you should not pull out your ears too often, just once every 10 days. How can I protect my ears? Besides pulling out your ears properly, how else should you protect your ears in your life? (1) Take a break every hour; (2) Adjust the volume of headphones to just enough to hear clearly; (3) Don’t wear only one headphone; (4) Wearing headphones is less harmful than earbud headphones. Avoiding noise If people are exposed to various kinds of noise such as roaring machines, noisy vehicles and noisy people for a long time, it will make their hearing more easily fatigued and their hearing will decrease rapidly, which may even lead to noise-induced deafness. Scientific diet To protect your ears, you can eat foods rich in zinc, iron and calcium, such as fish, lean meat, carrots and pumpkin. They can reduce micronutrient deficiencies, thus helping to dilate microvessels and improve the blood supply to the inner ear, preventing hearing loss. Maintain a good mental state Ear care requires maintaining a good mental state. Avoid anger and fire, and have a good attitude and be open to the hearing degeneration that accompanies increasing age.