Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Optogenetic Stimulation of the Auditory Nerve
Published on: October 8, 2014
Hypertrophic recurring lichen planus of the external auditory canal
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical University Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice, 29, Vinogradska cesta, 1000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Introduction:
We report a case of unilateral progressive primary hypertrophic lichen planus of the external auditory canal requiring several surgical interventions to deal with constant pruritus, otorrhoea, stenosis and conductive hearing loss.
Case Summary:
A 58-year-old woman was initially treated with meatoplasty for suspected chronic obliterating otitis externa. She remained symptom-free for 5 years, before the disease recurred, affecting other body surfaces as well. Otorrhoea, conductive hearing loss and pruritus worsened, and a canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy was performed, removing the skin of the external auditory canal and the tympanic membrane completely. Lichen planus was confirmed histopathologically.
Discussion:
Very few surgical results have been published on stenosis of the external auditory canal caused by lichen planus. Complete medial external auditory canal skin elevation and removal with postoperative split-skin grafting is advised for initial treatment. We discuss treatment options and surgical outcome after initial surgical failure.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Work Done on a System by External Force
In the presence of a non-conservative opposing force, like friction, some part of the work done...
The Auditory Ossicles
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking...
Auditory Perception
Internal and External Forces

