Otophyma: a rare benign clinical entity mimicking leprosy

Abstract

Otophyma is a rare condition characterized by edematous deformation of the ear that is considered to be the end-stage of an inflammatory process such as rosacea and eczema. This report illustrates a case in an elderly male, originally thought to have leprosy. Biopsy revealed a nodular infiltration of inflammatory cells around adnexal structures and an intraepidermal cyst. No acid-fast organisms were identified. We present a patient who is of a different ethnic group than usually seen with this disease and provide a review of the clinical presentation, histopathological features, and management of this rare condition.