Regional spread of auricular and periauricular cutaneous malignancies

Over 90% of all cutaneous malignancies occur in the head and neck. Malignancies involving the external auditory meatus, auricle, and periauricular region are notoriously difficult to control. The morbidity and mortality associated with extension of these malignancies underscore the importance of complete initial removal. We present 14 patients who underwent excision of periauricular lesions. All lesions were less than 2 cm in diameter and previously excised with negative margins. These patients were subsequently referred for regional disease. Twenty-nine percent of the patients failed definitive surgical therapy. We examine the indications for regional lymphadenectomy in the treatment of auricular and periauricular cutaneous malignancies.