Preauricular sinus and cyst | |
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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 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 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]
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]
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]
Courses of treatment typically include the following:[13]