Unusual White Growth Found in Ear
Recently, I came across an unusual white, mole-like growth inside my mother's ear. It’s unclear how long this has been present, but she did mention that it only causes discomfort if she touches it from specific angles. There’s also some slight redness visible beneath it. I usually excel at recognizing such issues, yet this one leaves me stumped. A quick search online led me to alarming cancer-related information, and my mother has requested that I try to remove it. Any guidance or insights from anyone familiar with this situation would be appreciated. As a side note, I acknowledge the toothpick is not a safe tool to use. I admit it was a risky and unwise choice, and I will definitely defer to medical experts in the future. Profile: - Age: 65 - Height: 64 inches - Weight: Approximately 183 pounds - Gender: Female - Smoker: Yes - Affected Ear: Left - Duration of Growth: Unknown - Current Medications: Duloxetine, Spironolactone, Magnesium, Bayer Aspirin (81 mg low dose), Vitamin D (5000 IU) - Medical History: High Blood Pressure, Previous Stomach Bleeding Ulcer, and History of COVID-19 infection.
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 2:01:29 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about an unusual growth in your mother's ear, especially with the discomfort and redness noted. While growths in the ear can have various non-cancerous causes, it's important to approach this carefully for her health and comfort.
Explanation:
The unusual white growth you described could be several things, such as a benign cyst, a type of skin condition, or even a result of irritation. The fact that it only causes discomfort when touched suggests it may be sensitive but does not automatically indicate a serious condition like cancer. However, given your mother's age and medical background, it's essential to take this seriously.
Next Steps:
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Avoid Touching or Trying to Remove It: Since your mother has already noted discomfort, touching it further—or attempting to remove it—could worsen the situation or cause infection. It’s best to leave it alone.
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Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on the growth over the next few days to see if it changes in size, color, or symptoms (like increasing redness, pain, or drainage). Regular observations can provide important information.
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Schedule a Medical Evaluation: It’s important to arrange for her to see a doctor or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can properly examine the growth and determine if any treatment is necessary. Consider noting down any other symptoms or changes she experiences to discuss during the visit.
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Lifestyle Considerations: Since she smokes and has other health conditions, managing her overall health is key. Encourage her to maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and seek support for smoking cessation if she’s open to it. This will contribute positively to her recovery and overall well-being.
Remember, it's completely normal to feel uncertain about medical issues, and you're doing the right thing by seeking advice. Let me know if you need further information or have other questions!
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