The Superficial Lesions in the Periauricular Region: A Retrospective Study

Objective

Superficial lesions on and around the ear are uncommon with broad differential diagnoses and different characteristic histopathologic features. Most of these lesions may have similar clinical and structural features resulting in obstacles in clinical diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to describe a series of periauricular superficial lesions and characterize the distinctive types of these lesions.

Study Design

A retrospective study.

Setting

A tertiary care center.

Methods

Between 2019 and early 2023, a descriptive retrospective study, including 120 patients who presented with periauricular superficial lesions, was conducted.

Results

Preauricular lesions were the most frequent (49.2%), followed by postauricular lesions (33.3%). As regards the etiological patterns of the patients, congenital causes were the most frequent (45%), followed by neoplastic lesions (40.8%). 37.5% of cases were preauricular sinus followed by epidermoid cyst (21.7%) and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (6.7%).

Conclusions

There is great diversity in patterns and etiological causes of periauricular lesions. The congenital etiology is the most common cause of periauricular lesions. An individualized approach based on the nature and etiology of the lesion allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.