Cutaneous lesions of the external ear

Abstract

Skin diseases on the external aspect of the ear are seen in a variety of medical disciplines. Dermatologists, othorhinolaryngologists, general practitioners, general and plastic surgeons are regularly consulted regarding cutaneous lesions on the ear. This article will focus on those diseases wherefore surgery or laser therapy is considered as a possible treatment option or which are potentially subject to surgical evaluation.

Figure 1

Seborrhoic keratosis. Brownish, exophytic tumor with a velvety to finely verrucous surface. Location on the retroauricular site with partial spreading on the helical rim.

Figure 2

Ganuloma Fissuratum. Skin colored to light red, tender mass of granulation tissue behind the auricle with an exophytic, elliptic growth pattern and a central notch.

Figure 3

Basalioma. Erythematous papule with indicated pearly border. Remark the central ulceration of the retroauricular located lesion.

Figure 4

Squamous cell carcinoma. Exophytic, hyperkeratotic tumor with central ulceration, accompanied with seroanguinous exudate.

Figure 5

Keloid. Flesh colored to reddish to slight purple nodule on the helical rim. The exophytic tumor shows a smooth surface.

Figure 6

Superficial spreading melanoma. Dark and flat macule with variegated colors. Its borders are irregular, with indentations and notches.

Figure 7

Lentigo maligna melanoma. Irregular pigmented and bordered, brown to black macule with visible bright to reddish regression zone.

Figure 8

Winkler disease. Ulcerated nodule with overlying crust. The surrounding skin is inflamed as indicated by the red color. Remark: If painful ulcerated nodules are present at the external ear, Winkler disease has to be kept in mind.

Figure 9

Lymphocytoma. Visible intensely red-violet swelling of the right earlobe.

Figure 10

Polychondritis recidivans. Visible deformity of the ears cartilage, resulting from recurrent chondritis.

Figure 11

Cutaneous tuberculosis. Retroauricular located red, partially brownish plaque with smooth surface.

Figure 12

Cylindroma. Numerous pink, red, and partially bluish, firm nodules, affecting the upper parts of the ear and spreading to the left cheek. The distribution and arrangement of tumor masses resemble a bunch of grapes.

Figure 13

Multiple blue naevus: Multiple, gray to blue, pinhead-sized macules affecting the external ear. If multiple blue naevi appear at the head and neck, remind that rare syndromes (e.g. Carney's syndrome) may be causal.

Figure 14

Auricular appandage: Dome-shaped, flesh-colored nodule with smooth surface at the upper part of the tragus.

Figure 15

Osler-Weber-Rendu Disease. Multiple, punctuate, red macules and papules corresponding to hemangiomas and telangiectases.