Accessory tragus

Last Updated: 2020-10-08

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

ICD11: LA21.Y

Meckel, 1826

Congenital developmental anomaly in which the tragus of the ear grows at a wrong location.

Present at birth, in 1-2 / 1'000 newborns, 10% on both sides.

Unknown.

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

Palpable centre with cartilage. Less frequently, there may be several accessory tragi, in which case they are located 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 consultation
  • Malformations of the kidney --> Sonography
  • Goldenhar Syndrome
  • Wildervanck Syndrome

  • Medical history (congenital)
  • Clinical features
  • Biopsy (optional)

Usually on the face.

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

Missing clarification and missing

  • local larger malformations.
  • Syndromes for which the accessory tragus is only a clue.

None possible.