Bilateral auricular Trichoepitheliomas

Abstract

34-year-old male presented to the Dermatology Clinic complaining of unsightly bilateral auricular growths (Panels A and B) obstructing the external auditory meatus and sparing the face. The lesions are characterized by multiple asymptomatic, firm, pink, and scaly papules. An otolaryngologist was then consulted to assess the extent of the lesion. This was found to involve the outer ear canal part, resulting in aural fullness with no discharge or tinnitus. No other otological findings were seen. A punch biopsy was done, and it revealed a superficial dermal tumor with prominent keratinized horn cysts (Black arrowhead) and fibrous stroma (Black arrow) (Panel C: H&E X 40), which correlates with a trichoepithelioma diagnosis. Trichoepithelioma is a rare and benign skin tumor, mostly found on the face. It is thought to arise from the hair follicle wall and is characterized by benign epithelial and mesenchymal proliferation. Aside from facial involvement, a few auricular cases were reported, some of which involved both auricles while others involved one auricle. Females are affected more than males and may be predisposed to psychological upset. It may be solitary, multiple, or desmoplastic.