Earlobe keloids: classification according to gross morphology determines proper surgical approach

Abstract

Background: A previous study described the outcomes of a treatment protocol using a prospective design and identified three clinical risk factors for recurrent keloids.

Objective: To introduce a novel classification of earlobe keloids through a retrospective study and describe the appropriate surgical methods according to this new classification.

Methods: One thousand twenty-seven earlobe keloids were treated at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital from March 2001 to February 2011. All cases were studied retrospectively and classified.

Results: The earlobe keloids were classified into five groups. The frequency of earlobe keloids in descending order were a sessile type, single nodular pattern; pedunculated type; sessile type, multinodular pattern; buried type; and mixed type. Different surgical methods were used based on the Chang-Park classification according to gross morphology, including core extirpation using a penetrating technique, standard keloidectomy, radical keloidectomy, keloidectomy with core extirpation, and a combination of these. All cases were closed primarily without skin grafting or sacrifice of the surrounding tissue.

Conclusions: This novel classification for earlobe keloids can lead to a better understanding of the different types of earlobe keloids and inform decisions regarding surgical methods.