A comprehensive study on lesions of the pinna.

PURPOSE: Pinna contributes enormously to the facial aesthesis. Lesions affecting the pinna can lead to overt disfigurement and change the entire appeal of the face. Gross deformity can occur because of a delay in diagnosis and mismanagement. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical presentation, relevant investigations, appropriate treatment, timing of surgical intervention, and complications encountered. Factors that predispose and aggravate the condition and their appropriate management are also discussed. The point to be emphasized is that a good clinical history and examination alone is sufficient to diagnose the conditions without the aid of any special investigation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our clinical study comprised of 307 cases of men and women patients presenting with swelling of the pinna, who attended the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India, during the period of February 1992 to June 2002. Wide bore needle aspiration was done for the majority of cases of seroma and hematoma. Patients who had recurrence were managed by window procedure. Incision and drainage with or without curettage of diseased cartilage was performed for perichondritis. Other lesions like keloid, hemangioma, dermoid cyst, sebaceous cyst, and malignancy were managed by complete excision. A firm pressure dressing was applied in all cases after surgery. Majority of the cases were done under local anesthesia.

RESULTS: Prompt surgical intervention under good antibiotic cover gave excellent results with minimal complications.

CONCLUSIONS: Surgical intervention at the earliest followed by a firm pressure dressing under antibiotic cover decreases the morbidity. Diabetes mellitus plays a significant role in few of the conditions and has to be simultaneously controlled.