Patient's question:
A fistula has grown on my right ear, and it's quite long. I had an infection two years ago, and it has flared up again these past few days, causing me great pain.Doctor's answer:
Congenital preauricular fistula is a common otological disease. It is caused by the failure of fusion of the first and second pharyngeal arches or incomplete closure of the first pharyngeal groove during embryonic development. The fistula is a blind tube that may have branches and is curved, with its external orifice usually located above and in front of the helix crus. The lumen is lined with stratified squamous epithelium, and the cavity contains squames. Squeezing the surrounding fistula may occasionally cause a small amount of viscous, sebaceous gland-like material to ooze from the fistula. Once infected, it becomes red, swollen, painful, and purulent, and can recur repeatedly. This condition is an autosomal dominant genetic disease with incomplete penetrance. Those without symptoms do not require treatment. In cases of infection, antibiotic treatment is needed. If an abscess forms, incision and drainage are required. After healing, surgical excision of the fistula is necessary.