Chondrocutaneous branchial remnants or cartilaginous choristoma: terminology, biological behavior and salience of bilateral cervical lesions

Abstract

Objective: To present and critically examine the spectrum of chondrocutaneous branchial remnants or accessory pinna, including rare case of bilateral cervical lesions, and to explain the basis of the biological behavior. Material and Method: Five cases of pediatric chondrocutaneous branchial remnants or accessory pinna were included. The ratios of the longest dimensions of the external ear to that of the accessory tragus/chondrocutaneous branchial remnants were calculated. Results: The size and rate of growth of chondrocutaneous branchial remnants or accessory pinna were found to be inversely proportional to the distance between the lesions and the normal pinna. Conclusion: The current literature and norms of terminology dictate that two different terminologies for lesions that are essentially histologically identical should be avoided. Chondrocutaneous branchial remnants, accessory pinna/tragus and chondroid/ cartilaginous choristomas are identical lesions with similar pathogeneses and should be referred to as choristomas.