Preauricular sinus and cyst: Difference between revisions
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[[File: | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Preauricular sinus and cyst | |||
| image = [[File:Preauricular_sinus.jpg|left|thumb|Preauricular sinus]] | |||
| caption = A preauricular sinus located near the ear | |||
| field = [[Otorhinolaryngology]] | |||
| synonyms = Preauricular pit, preauricular cyst | |||
| symptoms = Small opening or pit near the [[external ear]], possible [[infection]] | |||
| complications = [[Infection]], [[abscess]] formation | |||
| onset = [[Congenital]] | |||
| duration = Lifelong | |||
| causes = [[Genetic]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[imaging]] if needed | |||
| differential = [[Branchial cleft cyst]], [[dermoid cyst]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antibiotics]] for infection, [[surgical excision]] if recurrent | |||
| frequency = 0.1% to 0.9% of the population | |||
}} | |||
A '''preauricular sinus''' is a congenital malformation characterized by a small opening or pit located near the front of the ear, typically at the junction where the ear cartilage meets the face. This condition is also known as a '''preauricular pit'''. It is usually harmless but can sometimes lead to complications such as infections or the formation of cysts. | A '''preauricular sinus''' is a congenital malformation characterized by a small opening or pit located near the front of the ear, typically at the junction where the ear cartilage meets the face. This condition is also known as a '''preauricular pit'''. It is usually harmless but can sometimes lead to complications such as infections or the formation of cysts. | ||
==Anatomy and Development== | ==Anatomy and Development== | ||
The preauricular sinus is a result of incomplete or abnormal fusion of the first and second branchial arches during embryonic development. These arches are responsible for forming the structures of the face and neck. The sinus is lined with skin and may have a tract that extends into the surrounding tissues. | The preauricular sinus is a result of incomplete or abnormal fusion of the first and second branchial arches during embryonic development. These arches are responsible for forming the structures of the face and neck. The sinus is lined with skin and may have a tract that extends into the surrounding tissues. | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
Most individuals with a preauricular sinus are asymptomatic and may not even be aware of its presence. However, in some cases, the sinus can become infected, leading to pain, swelling, and discharge. Recurrent infections can result in the formation of a preauricular cyst, which may require medical intervention. | Most individuals with a preauricular sinus are asymptomatic and may not even be aware of its presence. However, in some cases, the sinus can become infected, leading to pain, swelling, and discharge. Recurrent infections can result in the formation of a preauricular cyst, which may require medical intervention. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of a preauricular sinus is typically made through physical examination. The presence of a small pit or opening near the ear is usually sufficient for diagnosis. In cases of infection or cyst formation, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the extent of the tract and surrounding tissues. | Diagnosis of a preauricular sinus is typically made through physical examination. The presence of a small pit or opening near the ear is usually sufficient for diagnosis. In cases of infection or cyst formation, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the extent of the tract and surrounding tissues. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment is not necessary for asymptomatic preauricular sinuses. However, if the sinus becomes infected or if a cyst forms, treatment options may include: | Treatment is not necessary for asymptomatic preauricular sinuses. However, if the sinus becomes infected or if a cyst forms, treatment options may include: | ||
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* Incision and drainage of abscesses | * Incision and drainage of abscesses | ||
* Surgical excision of the sinus and any associated cysts to prevent recurrence | * Surgical excision of the sinus and any associated cysts to prevent recurrence | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
Complications of a preauricular sinus can include: | Complications of a preauricular sinus can include: | ||
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* Cyst formation | * Cyst formation | ||
* Scarring from repeated infections or surgical interventions | * Scarring from repeated infections or surgical interventions | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
Preauricular sinuses are relatively common and occur in approximately 0.1% to 0.9% of the population. They are more frequently observed in certain ethnic groups, including people of African and Asian descent. There is also a slight female predominance. | Preauricular sinuses are relatively common and occur in approximately 0.1% to 0.9% of the population. They are more frequently observed in certain ethnic groups, including people of African and Asian descent. There is also a slight female predominance. | ||
==Related Conditions== | ==Related Conditions== | ||
* [[Branchial cleft cyst]] | * [[Branchial cleft cyst]] | ||
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* [[Epidermoid cyst]] | * [[Epidermoid cyst]] | ||
* [[Pilonidal cyst]] | * [[Pilonidal cyst]] | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Congenital malformations]] | * [[Congenital malformations]] | ||
* [[Ear anatomy]] | * [[Ear anatomy]] | ||
* [[Infections of the ear]] | * [[Infections of the ear]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{Commons category|Preauricular sinus}} | {{Commons category|Preauricular sinus}} | ||
[[Category:Congenital disorders]] | [[Category:Congenital disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Otorhinolaryngology]] | [[Category:Otorhinolaryngology]] | ||
[[Category:Anatomical pathology]] | [[Category:Anatomical pathology]] | ||
{{hospital-stub}} | {{hospital-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 15:41, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Preauricular sinus and cyst | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Preauricular pit, preauricular cyst |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Small opening or pit near the external ear, possible infection |
| Complications | Infection, abscess formation |
| Onset | Congenital |
| Duration | Lifelong |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic |
| Risks | Family history |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, imaging if needed |
| Differential diagnosis | Branchial cleft cyst, dermoid cyst |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Antibiotics for infection, surgical excision if recurrent |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | 0.1% to 0.9% of the population |
| Deaths | N/A |
A preauricular sinus is a congenital malformation characterized by a small opening or pit located near the front of the ear, typically at the junction where the ear cartilage meets the face. This condition is also known as a preauricular pit. It is usually harmless but can sometimes lead to complications such as infections or the formation of cysts.
Anatomy and Development[edit]
The preauricular sinus is a result of incomplete or abnormal fusion of the first and second branchial arches during embryonic development. These arches are responsible for forming the structures of the face and neck. The sinus is lined with skin and may have a tract that extends into the surrounding tissues.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Most individuals with a preauricular sinus are asymptomatic and may not even be aware of its presence. However, in some cases, the sinus can become infected, leading to pain, swelling, and discharge. Recurrent infections can result in the formation of a preauricular cyst, which may require medical intervention.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of a preauricular sinus is typically made through physical examination. The presence of a small pit or opening near the ear is usually sufficient for diagnosis. In cases of infection or cyst formation, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the extent of the tract and surrounding tissues.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment is not necessary for asymptomatic preauricular sinuses. However, if the sinus becomes infected or if a cyst forms, treatment options may include:
- Antibiotics to treat infection
- Incision and drainage of abscesses
- Surgical excision of the sinus and any associated cysts to prevent recurrence
Complications[edit]
Complications of a preauricular sinus can include:
- Recurrent infections
- Abscess formation
- Cyst formation
- Scarring from repeated infections or surgical interventions
Epidemiology[edit]
Preauricular sinuses are relatively common and occur in approximately 0.1% to 0.9% of the population. They are more frequently observed in certain ethnic groups, including people of African and Asian descent. There is also a slight female predominance.
Related Conditions[edit]
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references group="" responsive="1"></references>
External Links[edit]
