Surgical treatment of preauricular sinus/cysts

Abstract

Preauricular cysts and sinuses occur commonly in children; they are congenital anomalies resulting from faulty resorption of the first and second branchial arch hillocks. The diagnosis is straightforward in most instances. When surgery is indicated, complete excision is required to prevent recurrence. Identification of the entire lesion may be difficult because of previous infections, their tendency to branch, and unusual presentations.