Cauliflower Ear

A casual and descriptive term for an auricle (external EAR) damaged and deformed through trauma. Cauliflower ear is commonly associated with repeated injury such as occurs with boxing. However, even a single blow to the ear significant enough to cause bleeding can result in deformity as the cartilaginous structure of the external ear heals. CARTILAGE has no BLOOD supply of its own but instead draws nutrients from the blood supply of the SKIN. Any damage that disrupts blood flow (such as injury that causes bleeding) causes cartilage tissue to die. Where cartilage dies, the structure it supports shrinks as the skin around it heals, forming the characteristic irregularities of cauliflower ear.

Prompt treatment of any injury to the external ear to minimize the interruption of blood flow and control any INFECTION that may develop helps prevent deformity. Ear PIERCINGS into the upper ear that become repeatedly infected or cause scarring also can result in cauliflower ear. OTOPLASTY (surgery to alter the appearance of the auricle) can improve the auricle’s appearance though may not be able to restore it to its natural structure. A key preventive measure is wearing appropriate headgear during activities that expose the outer ears to the risk of traumatic injury.