An ear polyp, also known as an ear polyp, is an abnormal growth of skin and soft tissue that extends from the ear canal. Polyps are swollen, fleshy lumps, sometimes containing bloody pus. An ear polyp usually arises from the ear canal or the tympanic membrane, better known as the eardrum. Rarely, such polyps are considered cancerous growths, rather they are benign cysts or the result of aggressive bone infections. Although not normally cancerous, an ear polyp can be considered malignant when referring to polyps arising from a bone infection, due to their aggressive growth rate and dangerous nature.
Regarding the cause, an ear polyp results from several possible scenarios. Acute otitis externa or severe swimmer's ear can cause a polyp to form. When water remains in the ear canal, as in regular swimming, the moist environment serves as a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections. If left untreated, this infection can lead to the formation of an ear polyp between the eardrum and the outer ear.
Malignant otitis externa are aggressive abnormal growths in the ear canal that start with a bone infection inside the ear. Diagnosing these polyps as malignant does not mean that they are cancerous growths, but rather refers to the aggressive, cancer-like behavior of these polyps. As the infection develops and grows in intensity, irritation of the sensitive tissues at the bottom of the ear canal creates a polyp. The risk of complications from malignant external otitis is high. If left untreated, a malignant ear polyp can lead to infection of the skull bones, brain abscesses, permanent hearing loss, and paralysis of the facial muscles.
Skin cysts are another cause of ear polyps. Like polyps caused by swimmer's ear or bone infections, skin cysts in the ear canal are often the result of prolonged irritation. Under conditions of chronic irritation, the risk of infection and the development of cysts (the body's defense against chronic irritation or inflammation) is greatly increased. Surgically implanted tubes to relieve chronic ear infections can sometimes lead to skin cysts or similar ear polyps. The small bones in the middle or mastoid ear are susceptible to irreparable damage from the development of such ear polyps.
Symptoms associated with ear polyps include extreme sensitivity to touch, excessive drainage from the ear, bloody drainage, pain, and itching within the ear canal. Hearing loss or a reduction in hearing abilities is common with all ear polyps. In some cases, even a gentle touch to an ear polyp can cause pain and bloody drainage. Firm ear polyps that do not bleed easily are an indication of tumor growth. Soft, swollen polyps that bleed easily often indicate chronic or severe infection.