Accessory tragus

Last Updated: 2023-07-07

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: LA21.Y

Meckel, 1826

Congenital developmental anomaly in which the tragus of the ear grows at an incorrect location.

Present at birth, in 1-2 / 1,000 newborns, 10% bilaterally.

Unknown.

Skin-coloured, hard palpable, vellus-hairy, exophytic growing nodule or bump. The location is closely associated with the tragus (in front of it or directly on it). May occur on both sides.

Palpable centre with cartilage. Less commonly, there may be multiple accessory tragi, in which case they are found between the tragus and the corner of the mouth, or anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Can be useful as a clue for malformations and syndromes:

  • Malformations of the ear --> ORL Consil
  • Malformations of the kidney --> sonography
  • Goldenhar syndrome
  • Wildervanck syndrome
  • Anamnesis (congenital)
  • Clinic
  • Biopsy (optional)

Mostly on the face.

If the excision is too shallow, the deeper cartilaginous core may not be taken along.

Missing clarification and missing

  • Local major malformations.
  • Syndromes for which the accessory tragus is only a clue.

None possible.

  • No therapy necessary.
  • If necessary, excision for cosmetic reasons.

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