Epithelial and non-epithelial tumors of the external ear.

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Several benign and malignant tumors may be observed on the skin of the external ear at various ages, and some are specifically located in this area. Large lesions may be disfiguring and impair hearing by obstructing the external auditory canal. They may also cause chronic ulcerations and, in some cases, secondary destruction of underlying cartilage. The management of some external ear tumors requires a multidisciplinary approach. Being aware of the rich clinical spectrum of auricular tumors may enable early diagnosis, preventing more aggressive surgery with accompanying undesirable cosmetic results and decreasing the risk of metastasis in malignant tumors. The diagnosis of associated systemic diseases and genodermatoses may also be possible.