Diseases

Cauliflower Ear

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Destruction of the underlying cartilage framework of the outer ear (pinnae), usually caused by either infection or trauma, resulting in a thickening of the ear. Classically, blood collects (hematoma) between the earcartilage and the skin. ... The ear is said to look like a piece of cauliflower.

SYMPTOMS

If the initial injury is ignored, cartilage in the outer ear may then overgrow, resulting in a bulbous deformity on the ear.

CAUSES

The most common cause of cauliflower ear is a hit to the ear -- or repeated hits to the ear -- that leads to hematomas, or small collections of blood that clot and block the flow of blood and nutrients. These can also occur when skin is pulled away from cartilage, the semi-rigid tissue that gives the ear its shape