Auricular pseudocyst

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 18 Mar 2021

Auricular pseudocyst are rare, benign cystic swellings resulting from intracartilaginous accumulation of fluid within the pinna.

While it can occur at any age and in either gender, it typically presents in middle aged males with a mean age of presentation being 35-40 years 1.

Typically presents as a painless auricular swelling (typically develops over a period of 4 to 12 weeks). Minor discomfort and mild inflammatory signs could be occasionally present 1.

The exact etiology is not well known while some consider a repeated minor injury playing a role in its development.

  • most lesions are unilateral
  • involvement is usually seen in scaphoid, triangular fossa, and antihelix

May show a fluctuant cystic lesion involving the auricle.

Treatment options can be variable with surgical options comprising of excision of the anterior cartilage with compression buttoning (showing excellent results without recurrence) 4.

It is thought to have been first described by D Engel in 1966 5.

As a clinical differential consider 

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