A pseudocyst of auricle is a benign, fluid-filled cavity that develops in the intracartilaginous spaces of the ear. It is typically unilateral and thought to be caused by chronic minor trauma with a possible contribution of prior embryologic dysplasia of the auricular cartilage. An auricular pseudocyst usually manifests as a painless, fluctuant outer ear swelling, but minor discomfort and inflammation have been reported. The vast majority of cases are unilateral; bilateral cases, either synchronous or asynchronous, also occur.
Auricular pseudocysts occur predominantly in men (average age of 35-40 years) but can develop in women as well as in children of both sexes.
Pseudocyst of auricle
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:
H93.8X9 – Other specified disorders of ear, unspecified ear
SNOMEDCT:
403428002 – Pseudocyst of ear
H93.8X9 – Other specified disorders of ear, unspecified ear
SNOMEDCT:
403428002 – Pseudocyst of ear
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Cauliflower ear – Permanent deformity; the result of untreated pseudocyst of auricle or subperichondrial hematoma.
- Relapsing polychondritis – Ear will be uniformly pink or red, and the lobe, which contains no cartilage, will be spared.
- Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis – Tender, small, erythematous nodule or nodules, sometimes with scale or crusting at the center of the lesion.
- Keloid(s) on the ear, particularly on the earlobe, in individuals who have had their ears pierced.
- Subperichondrial hematoma secondary to trauma.
- Cellulitis
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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References
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Last Reviewed:11/18/2020
Last Updated:11/22/2020
Last Updated:11/22/2020
Pseudocyst of auricle