Pseudocyst of the auricle: a histologic perspective.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to describe the histologic spectrum in the pseudocyst of the auricle and to identify any consistent histologic features of this condition.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was performed in which the tissue specimen from patients with pseudocyst of the auricle treated at the Department of Otolaryngology, Singapore General Hospital during a 1-year period was sent for histology.

METHODS: Consecutive patients with pseudocyst of the auricle who were treated had their tissue specimen sent for histology. These specimens were independently reviewed by one consultant pathologist.

RESULTS: All 16 specimens revealed an intracartilaginous cyst devoid of epithelial lining. Interestingly, there were consistent perivascular mononuclear infiltrates of lymphocytes evident in the connective tissue layer just superficial to the anterior segment of the cartilage.

CONCLUSION: Pseudocyst of the auricle is a benign condition predominantly affecting young Asian males. Histology characteristically reveals an intracartilaginous cyst devoid of epithelial lining, and there are no pathognomonic features. We postulate that an inflammatory response is crucial to the development of this condition on the basis of a consistent perivascular inflammatory response seen in all our specimens.