Epithelial and nonepithelial tumors of the external ear

Several benign and malignant tumors can be observed on the skin of the external ear at various ages, and some are specifically located in this area. Large lesions can be disfiguring and impair hearing by obstructing the external auditory canal. They can also cause chronic ulcerations and, in some cases, secondary destruction of underlying cartilage. The management of some external ear tumors requires a multidisciplinary approach. Being aware of the rich clinical spectrum of auricular tumors enables early diagnosis, preventing the need for more aggressive surgery with accompanying undesirable cosmetic results and decreasing the risk of metastasis in malignant tumors. The diagnosis of associated systemic diseases and genodermatoses is also possible.