Preauricular sinuses and preauricular cysts are two common congenital malformations. Each involves the external ear. The difference between them is that a cyst does not connect with the skin, but a sinus does. [3] Frequency of preauricular sinus differs depending the population: 0.1–0.9% in the US, 0.9% in the UK, and 4–10% in Asia and parts of Africa.[4]
| Preauricular sinus and cyst | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Congenital auricular fistula, Congenital preauricular fistula, Ear pit,[1]: 782 or a Preauricular cyst[2] |
 | |
| Preauricular sinus on right ear | |
| Specialty | Otorhinolaryngology  |
Preauricular sinuses are inherited features, and frequently appear next to both ears.[5] Preauricular sinuses can be associated with other defects that are not visible, one example being branchio-oto-renal syndrome.[6]
Presentation
Complications
Occasionally a preauricular sinus or cyst can become infected.[7] Most preauricular sinuses are asymptomatic, and remain untreated unless they become infected too often.[8] Preauricular sinuses can be excised surgically, but often present a high risk of recurrence.[9]
Causes
Preauricular sinuses and cysts result from developmental defects of the first and second pharyngeal arches.[10] This and other ear malformations are sometimes associated with renal anomalies.[11] In rare circumstances these pits may be seen in genetic conditions such as branchio-oto-renal syndrome; however these conditions are always concurrent with other health concerns.[12]
Treatment
Courses of treatment typically include the following:[13]
- Surgical excision is indicated with recurrent fistular infections,[14] preferably after significant healing of the infection. In case of a persistent infection, infection drainage is performed during the excision operation. The operation is generally performed by an appropriately trained specialist surgeon e.g. an otolaryngologist or a specialist General Surgeon.
- The fistula can be excised as a cosmetic operation even though no infection appeared. The procedure is considered an elective operation in the absence of any associated complications.
See also
References
Bibliography
Further reading
External links
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