OVERVIEW

What is auricular pseudocyst?

Auricular pseudocyst, also known as auricular serous chondritis or auricular non-suppurative chondritis or auricular intercartilaginous effusion, refers to a non-suppurative serous cyst within the cartilage layer of the auricle. It typically occurs on the upper front outer side of one auricle, where serous fluid accumulates, forming a cyst-like swelling. It is more common in males and predominantly affects adults aged 20 to 50.

SYMPTOMS

What are the common manifestations of auricular pseudocyst?

• Small cysts may have no symptoms.

• Large cysts may cause a sense of fullness, fluctuation, burning, or itching, often without pain.

• Localized swelling on the anterior auricle with clear boundaries, normal skin color, and good translucency under light.

How does an auricular pseudocyst develop?

Localized swelling on the anterior auricle, often gradually enlarges after irritation.

CAUSES

What are the common causes of auricular pseudocyst?

• The exact cause remains unclear, but it may be related to trauma.

• Mechanical stimulation such as pressure from a hard pillow or unintentional touching may lead to local circulation disorders.

• Some suggest congenital dysplasia, where abnormal fusion of the six auricular hillocks from the 1st/2nd pharyngeal arches leaves potential tissue gaps, forming the basis for pseudocyst development.

Who is commonly affected by auricular pseudocyst?

It predominantly occurs in males, typically between 20-50 years old.

Is auricular pseudocyst contagious?

No, it is not an infectious disease and cannot be transmitted.

DIAGNOSIS

How to diagnose auricular pseudocyst?

• Localized swelling on the anterior auricle with normal skin color and good translucency upon transillumination. Small cysts may be asymptomatic. Larger cysts may cause sensations of fullness, fluctuation, warmth, or itching, often without pain.

• Puncture and fluid aspiration reveal clear, pale-yellow fluid with no bacterial growth on culture.

What tests are needed to diagnose auricular pseudocyst? Why are these tests performed?

• Specialized ENT (ear, nose, and throat) examination.

• Puncture and fluid aspiration with bacterial culture: Clear, pale-yellow fluid with no bacterial growth helps differentiate it from suppurative perichondritis of the auricle.

• Transillumination: Good translucency helps distinguish it from auricular hematoma.

TREATMENT

Which department should I visit for pseudocyst of the auricle?

Otolaryngology, General Surgery.

What are the treatment options for pseudocyst of the auricle?

• Physical therapy: In the early stages, ultraviolet irradiation or ultrashort wave therapy can be used to stop fluid leakage and promote absorption.

• CO₂ laser can be used to puncture the cyst wall, drain the fluid, and apply pressure bandaging.

• Cryotherapy, magnetotherapy, radiofrequency therapy, etc.

• Puncture and aspiration with local compression: Under strict aseptic conditions, the cystic fluid is aspirated, followed by local pressure fixation with plaster or placement of two circular magnets on the front and back of the auricle at the cyst site to apply pressure.

• Intracystic drug injection: After fluid aspiration, drugs such as bleomycin, 15% hypertonic saline, 50% glucose, or 2% iodine tincture can be injected into the cyst cavity, followed by pressure bandaging to promote adhesion and fibrosis of the cyst wall.

• Surgical treatment: If the condition persists, surgery may be considered to remove part of the anterior cyst wall, scrape granulation and thickened tissue inside the cyst, and apply sterile pressure bandaging.

Can pseudocyst of the auricle heal on its own?

No, it will not heal on its own. Early medical treatment is recommended.

Are there any sequelae after treatment for pseudocyst of the auricle?

If treated promptly, there are usually no sequelae. However, delayed treatment may lead to an enlarged lesion and possible auricular deformity.

Is follow-up necessary after treatment for pseudocyst of the auricle?

Follow-up with an otolaryngologist is advisable, especially for cases treated with physical therapy or puncture and aspiration, as cysts may recur.

Can pseudocyst of the auricle be completely cured?

With proper treatment, it can be fully cured.

Can pseudocyst of the auricle recur after treatment? What should I do if it recurs?

Recurrence is possible. If it recurs, seek medical treatment as early as possible.

DIET & LIFESTYLE

None

PREVENTION

Can auricular pseudocyst be prevented? How to prevent it?

It can be partially prevented by avoiding trauma to the auricle and minimizing mechanical irritation to the area, such as pressure from hard objects or unintentional touching.