Congenital cartilaginous rest of the neck | |
---|---|
Other names | Cervical accessory tragus, wattle, cervical tab, cervical auricle[1] |
![]() | |
Drawing of a man with two cervical auricles (from the book "Evolution and disease", 1890, page 91) | |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Congenital cartilaginous rest of the neck (CCRN) is a minor and very rare congenital cutaneous condition characterized by branchial arch remnants that are considered to be the cervical variant of accessory tragus.[2][3] It resembles a rudimentary pinna that in most cases is located in the lower anterior part of the neck.[3]
CCRN histopathology indicates the presence of elastic cartilage enclosed by various skin structures such as eccrine glands, adipose tissue, and pilosebaceous units.[4] To assess the extent of the lesion as well as look for any underlying sinus tracts, ultrasonography alongside computed tomography (CT) scans can be used.[5]
Alternative diagnoses for CCRN consist of thyroglossal duct cyst, hair follicle naevus, fibroepithelial polyp, and branchial cleft cyst.[6] Thyroglossal duct cysts are typically found in the midline of the neck, near the hyoid bone, and move with tongue protrusion or swallowing.[7] Hair follicle naevus appears as a single, skin-colored papule and can be associated with hypertrichosis.[8] Fibroepithelial polyps are soft, fleshy growths of collagen fibers and blood vessels that hang off the skin.[9] Branchial cleft cysts can manifest as cysts, fistulas, sinus tracts, or cartilaginous remnants on the front of the neck and upper chest.[5]