What is the frontal sinus? Cause and treatment of congenital ear hole

What is the frontal sinus?

A preauricular sinus, also known as a preauricular cyst, preauricular fissure, or preauricular sinus, is actually an abnormal passage under the skin that can be seen as a small hole in front of the ear and above the external ear canal. In unusual cases, this hole may be lower and shorter, and sometimes the multiple sinus tract may be longer and shorter. Branches. Usually only one ear is affected. be.

Ear piercings are congenital.. that is, the baby is born with this abnormality at birth, which occurs as a result of ear development disorder in the early embryonic period.. Of course, this abnormality is not usually associated with hearing disorders and only in rare cases is related to genetic syndromes.. For this reason, babies with ear piercings are usually examined to check for other abnormalities.

If the child is healthy, the only concern about ear piercing is the possibility of benign ear cysts or repeated infections that can lead to the formation of small, pus-filled abscesses.

Difference between sinus hole in front of the ear and ear appendages

Remember that preauricular holes are different from preauricular appendages.. Appendages are small fleshy protrusions that are seen in front of the ear.. but they do not have a subcutaneous path or canal.... These appendages only cause problems in terms of appearance and, unlike ear piercings, do not have the risk of infection.

In total, this type of congenital malformation of the external ear affects less than 1% of healthy babies.. but despite the low prevalence, they are in the category of common congenital malformations.. These malformations are seen equally in boys and girls.. Although they are not usually hereditary.. but if both ears are involved, the probability of a family history increases.

Cause of frontal sinus

In general, experts believe that the exact cause of this condition is unknown, but genetic factors can play a role in creating a dimple in front of the ear, especially if it occurs in both ears. On the other hand, the ear consists of 6 small ridges of embryonic origin called Hillocks of His, which are located around the six branches of the first and second branches of pregnancy. It originates from the first arch and the other three ridges originate from the second arch. In the natural process of growth, these 6 ridges are gradually combined and form the complete structure of the earlobe.

If in this fusion process or fusion of the tissue between these ridges is not done completely and correctly, part of the tissue may not close properly and a remaining subcutaneous path will be created... this path is the sinus or preauricular hole (Preauricular Sinus/Pit).

Symptoms and symptoms of frontal sinus

All people with ear piercing do not have the same symptoms.. Some of them may also have certain syndromes.... The most common symptoms of this disease include the following:

• Presence of a small visible hole in front of one or both ears
• Seeing the pores in the form of a slight depression
• Swelling, pain, fever, redness, or discharge of pus around the piercing that may indicate an infection such as cellulitis or an abscess.
• The presence of a painless and slow-growing lump next to the hole, which is usually a sign of a cyst.

Other diseases related to the frontal sinus

If the ear lobes are asymmetrical next to the ear holes, or the child's tongue is abnormally large, it could indicate Beckwith-Wiedmann syndrome. This syndrome is associated with abdominal problems and the risk of kidney and liver cancers.

Also, the presence of a hole or depression on the side of the neck along with a hole or appendage in front of the ear, hearing loss and kidney abnormalities can be a sign of bronchio-auto-kidney syndrome (bronchio-auto-kidney syndrome) and it creates the pharynx and plays an important role in its ventilation and secretions. The function can cause fluid accumulation, hearing loss and frequent middle ear infections.

In some patients, the symptoms of Meniere's disease may be confused with some ear infections or structural abnormalities such as the preauricular sinus. For this reason, a detailed examination of the ear structure by a specialist doctor is necessary.... What is Meniere's disease?... Meniere's is a chronic inner ear disorder caused by excessive accumulation of endolymph fluid in the vestibular system... This disease usually occurs with periodic attacks of vertigo, tinnitus, ear fullness, and hearing fluctuations. give.

It should be noted that there is no scientific evidence that this disease is related to ear cancer, old age, ear stroke, neuroendocrine tumor or glomus tumor... However, if you notice symptoms such as hearing loss, abnormal secretions or persistent pain, it is necessary to see an ear, nose and throat specialist to check for other serious disorders such as acloar nerve tumor.

Treatment of sinuses Frontal

The treatment of this condition varies depending on the severity of the symptoms and the patient's clinical condition... In cases where there is no frontal sinus infection, no special action is necessary and only follow-up and care is sufficient.... In case of initial symptoms of infection such as redness and swelling, you should visit an otolaryngologist to prescribe a miraculous treatment for the treatment of sinus or frontal earache... infection.

In some more severe cases where the infection appears as an abscess and does not respond to medication, drainage is performed with a needle (aspiration) and the purulent fluid is sent to the laboratory for microbial analysis. If this method is not effective, the next step is to cut and drain the abscess.

In patients who suffer from frequent infections, sinus surgery is usually recommended to completely remove the sinus ducts.. This surgery is performed under general anesthesia and often on an outpatient basis and may take up to an hour. Also, the surgeon usually postpones the operation until the inflammation and infection are completely healed so that the result of the surgery is effective.

Summary

The sinus in front of the ear or the preauricular hole is one of the relatively common congenital abnormalities of the external ear that often remain asymptomatic.. but in some cases it may become infected, inflamed or abscessed and cause problems and discomfort if not treated.

This complication is caused by a disturbance in the early formation of the earlobe during the fetal period... Although most of these complications do not require treatment... However, in case of frequent infections or mass formation, therapeutic interventions such as the use of antibiotics or sinus surgery are necessary.

If you see symptoms such as swelling, redness or discharge of pus around it, it is necessary to visit an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a detailed examination.... You can apply through the website GCORP LLC and make an appointment with the best specialist doctors including nose, throat, ear specialist online.... GCORP LLC provides you with the possibility to make an appointment through the system Make an appointment with the specialist of your choice for a face-to-face consultation with an otolaryngologist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Source: chop.edu | Charlotte Audiology