Does “malignant” here mean cancer?
— S.K. ANSWER: Malignant otitis externa is an infection of the ear canal with a hard-to-treat bacterium called Pseudomonas. The malignancy here indicates that the infection can spread rapidly and attack the skull bones. It is not a cancer. Your mother is getting immediate attention. She should do well now that she’s on antibiotics. This is an infection more common to older, diabetic patients. Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.
