What is Ear Cancer?
Ear canal tumors are most often found in the external ear canal and the outer ear. In rare cases, tumors can occur in the inner or middle ear. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical for the cat’s survival.
Two primary forms of cancer that affect the ears of cats are squamous cell carcinoma and ear canal tumors. Squamous cell carcinoma most commonly presents as a red, crusty areas around the pinna of the ears. The sores, or ulcers, may occur intermittently and are usually flat, irregularly shaped and scaly. If the sores are noticed early enough and proper treatment is administered the prognosis is generally good. Unfortunately, the carcinoma can reoccur after removal and may metastasize to other areas of the body.
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Symptoms of Ear Cancer in Cats
The primary symptom of squamous cell carcinoma is the presence of bleeding ulcers on the pinna of the ears. In advanced stages, the tips of the ears may disappear, leaving a noticeable deformity.
Ear canal tumors usually cause symptoms on one side of the head only. Owners should look or the presence of one or more of the following:
- Ear discharge (may be waxy, pus-filled, or bloody)
- Foul odor
- Head shaking
- Ear scratching
- Swelling
- Draining abscess below affected ear
- Deafness
When tumors are located in the inner ear, affected cats may present additional symptoms including:
- Loss of balance
- Difficulty blinking
- Other neurological problems or coordination
- Head tilt
Causes of Ear Cancer in Cats
Squamous cell carcinoma is most often caused by ultraviolet (UV) damage from excess sun exposure. It is most common in white cats with white ears. In rare cases, the condition can develop following severe burn damage. It is possible for squamous cell carcinoma to affect dark-colored cats or develop on areas that are covered by fur. This is the result of a disorder called Bowen’s disease that may be associated with the presence of a virus.
Tumors in the ear canal have not been definitively connected to a specific cause. Ongoing ear canal inflammation may cause the growth of abnormal cells that can develop into tumors. Cats with a history of ear infections tend to be more prone to this condition. Middle-aged or older cats are more likely to be affected than younger cats, and the tumors are more likely to be malignant than benign.
Diagnosis of Ear Cancer in Cats
The first step will be a full review of the cat’s medical history. Owners should make the vet aware of any sores that the cat has had in the recent past, even if other factors are thought to be to blame. The vet will perform a thorough physical exam to look for other sores on the body and will likely order common lab tests like a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and electrolyte panel. Enlarged lymph nodes or a high white blood cell count may indicate the presence of an infection or cancer that has spread. Chest and skull x-rays may be performed to check for tumors or other abnormalities. A biopsy can be performed to determine whether the tumor is a carcinoma, benign mass, or other skin condition. This is often done as a last resort as it typically requires general anesthesia.
If an inner-ear tumor is suspected, the vet may sedate the cat and complete a deep otoscopic examination. Other diagnostic methods may include CT scan, MRI, and biopsy.
Treatment of Ear Cancer in Cats
Treatment recommendations will depend on the type of cancer, the size of the ulcers or tumor, and whether it has spread.
Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
If only one small ulcer is present, the vet may freeze and remove it using cryosurgery. If the ulcer is large or multiple sores are present, traditional surgery will be required. The external area of the cat’s ear, called the pinna, is usually removed. In some cases, a portion of the ear canal may be removed as well. Cats are usually able to adapt to the change and heal fairly well following surgery. Chemotherapy is less effective than surgery, but may be recommended in cases where surgical removal is not an option. The vet may recommend a consultation with a veterinary cancer specialist for further treatment recommendations.
Treatment of Ear Canal Tumors
When ear canal tumors are present, surgical removal is required. This is best performed by a board-certified surgical specialist, especially when the inner-ear is involved. The most common surgery is known as a total ear canal ablation (TECA). It involves the removal of the entire ear canal and a thorough cleaning of the inner ear. When surgery fails to remove the entire tumor, radiation may be used to slow tumor growth and minimize pain.
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Recovery of Ear Cancer in Cats
Cats with squamous cell carcinoma should be kept indoors and out of the sun as much as possible. If the cat must be outside in the daytime, sunscreen should be applied to the ears and nose. For cats that enjoy sitting on windowsills, the addition of a reflector or shade will help to block UV rays. Owners should watch closely for the outbreak of new sores and follow up with a veterinarian if reoccurrence is suspected. If the treatment was administered quickly enough and the cancer has not spread, prognosis for cats with squamous cell carcinoma is generally positive.
Cats with ear canal tumors usually survive for about a year following aggressive surgery. If more conservative treatment options are elected, prognosis worsens significantly. Throughout the remainder of the cat’s life, regular veterinary check-ups will be necessary.
Ear Cancer Average Cost
From 539 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $8,000
Average Cost
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Top
Ear Cancer Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
domestic short hair
Kenzie
5 Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Tips Of Ears Point Back And Dry
Hi,
I've recently taken over care of a friends cat. The cats ear kind of flick backwards, the owner said they had done that for as long as they could remember. The cat was given to them about two years ago, any of it's history is unknown. The tips of the ears are dry and sometimes peel, the owner said they think it could be sunburn. I haven't noticed any ulcers or anything major like that. She's a white cat. Is this sunburn or could it be early signs of cancer?
Thanks
March 22, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without looking at Kenzie’s ears I cannot say whether it is sunburn, cancer, vasculitis or irritation; you should have a Veterinarian take a look as well as giving Kenzie a thorough examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 22, 2018
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Domestic shorthair
Ash
11 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lump On Ear
Lump On Ear, Fur Missing
My cat (who is about 11 years) has had a lump on the outside of one of her ears for a few weeks now and I don't know if it is cancerous. It's pink and seems to have stayed the same size as when I first saw it. We haven't gone to the Vet yet because of financial problems and I'm quite desperate. She's also got tufts of fur missing directly underneath both ears. Not sure if unrelated or not but she recently left home for two days but the lump was there before that. She's had all necessary vaccinations and is desexed.
Feb. 13, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are a few possible causes for a pink mass on the ear of a cat but I would be suspecting more a mast cell tumour which in cats are usually benign, however there are other types of masses which may occur which is why Ash should be checked by a Veterinarian; but this isn’t something you should sit on since they may grow in size, ulcerate and get infected. You should try to reach out to a charity clinic or nonprofit for help if money is tight, check the links below for more information. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.aaha.org/pet_owner/lifestyle/cant-afford-critical-veterinary-care-many-nonprofits-can-help!.aspx
www.felineoutreach.org/organizations.html
Feb. 13, 2018
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Black and white
Dessibell
10 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cancer Discharge In Her Ear
My cat had her ears off as one ear was very badley gunked up with sores, puss, blood etc... but it has started again an going into her head... I am not going to have any more surgery on it, for many reasons.. I now am giving her daily antibiotics & painkillers in her food from the vet.
Her ear is still really irretating her & it looks soooo sore & flicking stuff from it all the time. Having said that she is purring eatting & moving around fine& her eyes are bright & her furr is healthy... How long can she go on, on this medicine & with her pain from her ear?? I dont think its time to have her put down yet??
Feb. 11, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Dessibell, I cannot say how bad her symptoms are but if she is in good spirits otherwise I would take each day as it comes; however, if she starts to show signs of pain, discomfort, presents additional symptoms or anything else concerning you should take her back to your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Feb. 11, 2018
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Orange tabby
Max
16 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching
My cat is an outdoor 16 year old orange tabby who has skin cancer, most likely squamous cell carcinoma. He seems comfortable and happy other than being itchy. He is an older cat and we are just letting him live out his days as comfortably As possible. Is there any ointment or type of bath we could do that would at least relieve the itching? He keeps opening the scabs from itching so he’s in a cone but still tries to itch his head so we’re hoping to give him some relief
Feb. 10, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. I'm sorry that that has happened to Max, but appreciate that you are trying to keep him comfortable. Sometimes a secondary problem with these tumors can be bacterial infection, which can itch quite intensely and make things worse. It might be helpful for him to have a check up with a veterinarian, let them know that you want to keep him comfortable, and see if he needs antibiotics - they'll also be able to prescribe a topical anti-inflammatory ointment or topical anesthetic that you may be able to use to keep him from being in pain. I hope that everything goes well for him.
Feb. 10, 2018
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American Shorthair
Missy
4 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Ear Odor
Head Tilt
Sneezing
I found my cat, Missy, on my deck, about 3-1/2 years ago. She is a black and white cat, who may have been part of a feral colony of cats down the street. She was very friendly and I was able to pick her up. I took her inside and kept her in the bathroom, to keep her away from my other cat, until I could have her checked out.
At the time, they diagnosed her with ear mites and an upper respiratory infection. She was given a shot, prescribed an antibiotic for 2 weeks, as well as ear drops. She got better, but several months later, she got another upper respiratory infection and was sneezing all the time.
I saw a different doctor, in the same practice, who gave her another round of medicine, which I believe was Clavamox. Her ears were still bothering her. I was told she had a lot of ear wax build-up, and I purchased an ear cleaner from them and cleaned her ears every couple of days.
She's continued to have these problems over the last 3 years, and I've had to take her to the vet multiple times, and always see a different doctor.
About 2 months ago, I took her back to the vet because she started walking in circles and seemed to be losing her balance. Of course, I saw a different doctor again. He examined her ears and said that her left ear looked fine. He was having difficulty seeing deeply enough into her right ear, and said that she most likely had a tumor. He told me the only way we could find out for sure would be through a CT-scan, which they could do, but it would cost $600. If the CT-scan showed a tumor, she would have to be referred to a surgeon. He said that getting the CT-scan was pointless, unless I would go forward with surgery, if it was necessary. He said that ear tumors are common in cats and, as long as she wasn't in any pain, we could just continue to monitor it. You told me I did not have to keep cleaning her ears.
For the last couple of days, I have noticed an odor, which was not there before. I think it's from her ear, but I'm not really sure. She also has been sneezing a lot! The mucus dries up on her nose, so I have to keep cleaning it off.
In addition, something appears to be wrong with her right eye (it's her right ear that may have the tumor). She has a crusty accumulation in the inside corner of her right eye. Her left eye looks normal; however, her right eye is not open nearly as much and I can see the layers of tissue on the inside corner of her eye. There appears to be some drainage on the outside corner, but I'm not sure if it's from her eye, or from her ear.
I really wish I had noticed this sooner, but her black fur goes down past her eyes, so it was very difficult to notice this!!!
I called the vet 3 days ago, and he finally called me back yesterday, but we missed each other. He doesn't start work until noon today, but I really want to see the same doctor.
Is it possible for Missy's ear problem to be affecting her right eye? I am concerned about her vision. I tried cleaning her right eye tonight and she didn't even seem to see the cotton ball coming towards her eye.
Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to pay for an expensive surgery for my cat. I really wish I had purchased pet insurance.
I would appreciate any advice that you can provide. Thank you!
Dec. 15, 2017
0 Recommendations
It is always frustrating for pet owners when you get a different Veterinarian each time you visit a practice, especially for a chronic ongoing problem like this; also without examining Missy it is difficult to give a fully informed opinion. However, ear and eye problems may be related especially if there is inflammation in the middle and inner ear; infections, tumours, trauma, toxins and other causes may cause these symptoms. For the time being I would recommend that you ensure that the eye and ear are kept clean (if there is drainage or discharge) as well as assisting Missy with eating, drinking, defecation and urination if required. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Dec. 15, 2017
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Calico
Kaly
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Oddor, Bleeding, Head Tilting
My cat had laser surgery in both her ears to eliminate cancerous tumors. Her right ear was very bad. I've been taking her every week to follow ups and she's doing a lot better now.
Ear Cancer Average Cost
From 539 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $8,000
Average Cost
$6,000
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