ABSTRACT

Epidermoid cysts are benign, developmental, superficial cysts found commonly on the face, trunk and neck. Its presence on the ear lobe is very rare. We shall describe the occurrence of an epidermoid cyst on the auricle along with the presence of a dermoid cyst over the occipital scalp and elaborate on the patient presentation, diagnosis, management along with the post-operative follow up.

Keywords:

Epidermoid Cyst, Lobule, Auricle

1. Introduction

Epidermoid cysts represent the most common cutaneous cysts which can occur anywhere in the body but are more commonly seen over the face, scalp, neck and trunk [1] . The auricle is one of the rare locations. Epidermoid cysts have a varying nomenclature, including follicular cysts, infundibular cysts and epidermal inclusion cysts. Epidermoid cysts result from dermal implantation of epidermal elements. They are usually benign but in very rare circumstances are associated with malignancy [2] [3] [4] .

Males are predisposed in a ratio of 2:1.

Epidermoid cysts are mostly asymptomatic, but can become infected or inflamed. Certain crush injuries have been associated with terminal phalanx or subungal epidermoid cysts. Any surgical procedure (rhinoplasty, breast augmentation and liposuction) can also result in the formation of multiple epidermoid cysts [5] . Their formation is also associated with the use of auto grafts (dermal, myocutaneous) and the use of fine needle aspiration cytology.

Certain hereditary syndromes like Pachyonychia congenital, Gardner syndrome, Basal cell nevus syndrome are associated with epidermoid cysts [3] [6] [7] . Roser first gave the term epidermoid cyst in 1859 [8] .

The objective of our case report is to highlight the occurrence of a common tumor in a rare location, like the lobule of the pinna and the importance of subjecting the same to histopathological examination owing to its association with malignancy.

2. Case Report

A 23-year-old male presented to Goa Medical College ENT OPD with history of noticing a swelling on right ear since 4 months. Onset was insidious and gradually progressive. Initially it was the size of a peanut and over the last 2 months has increased to its present size as that of a small lime (Figure 1). It was painless. There was history of noticing another swelling on the back of the scalp as well, which had the same onset and duration (Figure 2). On examination, there was a 2 × 2 cms swelling on the medial aspect of the lobule of the right pinna. It was firm, mobile and non-tender on palpation.

It had a smooth and regular surface without a central punctum. Skin overlying the swelling was normal. There was no ear lobe piercing noted. Rest of the pinna, external auditory canal and tympanic membrane on the right side was within normal limits. Neck examination revealed no cervical lymphadenopathy. There was another swelling on the left occipital scalp, which was 3 × 3 cms in size, firm, mobile and non-tender on palpation. It also had a smooth and regular surface without a central punctum.

A differential diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst, dermoid cyst, benign tumor was made. All blood results were normal. Patient was counseled and explained about the need for surgery. He was then posted for excision of the right pinna lobule mass under local anesthesia (Figures 3(a)-(d)) after obtaining a well-in- formed written consent from the patient.

Excision of the cyst was done under local anesthesia in our minor operation theatre (Figure 4) and sent for histopathological examination.

Patient was referred to general surgery for excision of the scalp mass, which was done under local anesthesia and sent for histopathological analysis.

Patient recovered very well post operatively. Histopathological examination of the right pinna lobule mass revealed an encapsulated cyst lined by stratified squamous epithelium along with keratin material in the center, without any adnexal structures such as sweat glands, hair noted. A histopathological diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst was made (Figure 5). Histopathological examination of the occipital scalp mass revealed a dermoid cyst. He was followed up for over 6 months with no evidence of any recurrence. Overall prognosis was good. Patient gave his consent for a case report to be published.

3. Discussion

The occurrence of an epidermoid cyst of the auricle is a rare entity and its association with the presence of a dermoid cyst of the scalp makes it very rare case. Only a few ear lobe epidermal cysts have been reported in literature [9] .

They usually occur in the 3^rd and 4^th decade of life, with males being more predisposed than females. They commonly occur at sites like face, scalp, trunk etc. Epidermal cysts are mostly benign asymptomatic cysts that rarely become inflamed or infected secondarily. Over a period of time, epidermal cysts can develop into malignancies like epidermal cyst carcinomas, Bowens disease, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma in situ [10] . Other rare locations of epidermal cysts include the breast, intra cranial areas, pre-sternal, pre-sacral, popliteal region and even on the feet [9] [11] . The external ear however, is one of the rarest of rare locations. Epidermal cysts of the post auricular region must be differentiated from lipomas and hemangiomas. Lipomas are benign fatty tissue containing tumors and hemangiomas which are usually present at birth are benign tumors of the vascular endothelia [12] .

One of the associated problems with large epidermal cysts is their ugly, unaesthetic appearance, so many patients go under the knife for cosmetic reasons, as more often than not epidermal cysts are asymptomatic.

4. Conclusion

This rare case report highlights the occurrence of an epidermal cyst of the auricle along with a dermoid cyst over the scalp. It is very important to completely excise the cyst and differentiate between benign and malignant tumors on histopathology.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Cite this paper

Fernandes, V.L.G., De Gouveia Pinto, N.M., Barreto, O., Furtado, J. and Basuroy, S. (2018) Epidermoid Cyst of the Auricle: A Common Cyst at a Rare Site. International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, 7, 344-349. https://doi.org/10.4236/ijohns.2018.76034

References