Radiotherapy-induced Pathology of the Ear

Acute RT-induced external ear soft tissue changes typically start early during the radiation course with erythema and dry desquamation and may progress to moist desquamation and epidermal ulceration. Chronic RT-induced changes include epithelial atrophy and subcutaneous fibrosis. After RT, patients should avoid EAC trauma. Interventions for EAC soft tissue pathologic condition include topical steroid treatment for erythema and dry desquamation and topical antibiotic therapy for suppurative otitis externa; topical corticosteroid treatment may prevent worsening of RT-induced soft tissue disease. Interventions for soft tissue radionecrosis involving the EAC warrant further investigation.