Introduction

Auricular pseudocyst often manifests as an acute painless swelling of auricles. The patient usually is asymptomatic except for the auricular swelling.

Cause

The cause is usually idiopathic. Minor trauma may be related to its occurrence.

Symptoms and signs

It is mostly observed in young adult males and presents clinically as a solitary, fluctuant, non-inflammatory cyst over the upper portion of the auricle with normal or ecchymotic skin. If not treated, it may be complicated with infections such as perichondritis or necrosis of the pinna cartilage. Ultimately, floppy ear or cauliflower deformity might occur.

Diagnostic examinations:

Direct inspection and palpation.

Treatment

The aim of treatment is to gain a successful resolution of the pseudocyst without damaging healthy cartilage and to prevent recurrences.

Direct aspiration by needle with negative pressure. However, the recurrent rate is high by this method.

Radical incision and drainage of the cavity followed by pressure dressing usually is the standard procedure for this problem. However, infection only happens in few cases.

Prevention and precautions

1. Prevention for ear trauma.
2. After surgical intervention, compression dressing will be applied to the ear wound for about 3-7 days. Do not move the compression dressing by yourself. Please keep the wound dry and clean. You may return immediately if there is bleeding or intractable pain of the wound.
3. Infection and auricular deformity or recurrence of hematoma may happen in few cases.