External ear

Trauma may cause subperichondrial haematoma. This is usually caused by a shearing blow. The patient will present with bruising and a swelling. If the swelling is not drained, repeated trauma occurs, and this will lead to the condition of ‘cauliflower ear’, often seen in rugby players. Avulsion of the ear is rare but may occur in major trauma. Occasionally, cellulitis and swelling of the ear occur due to bites, either animal or human. The patient may complain of a swelling on the lobe of the ear. Enquire whether there has been any recent ear-piercing, as inclusion dermoids may result. Ulcers may arise on the pinna as a result of malignant disease, the most common being squamous cell carcinomas and rodent ulcers.