Neurofibroma of the pinna

Neurofibromas are relatively common lesions of the nervous system, but only a few cases involving the pinna have been reported. The emphasis in most of these reports was on the cosmetic deformity; functional impairment in the form of hearing loss has been mentioned in only a few reports. We report a case of pinnal neurofibroma in which the primary complaint was otitis externa; hearing loss and cosmetic deformity were also present. Surgical excision resulted in an excellent functional and cosmetic outcome. This case demonstrates that neurofibroma of the pinna in the area of the external meatus can produce functional as well as cosmetic impairment, and surgery can produce a very satisfactory result.