From the Research
Preauricular cysts should be treated with complete surgical excision to prevent recurrence, especially in cases where they become infected, painful, or cosmetically bothersome, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Treatment Approach
The treatment approach for preauricular cysts typically involves:
- Antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate or clindamycin to resolve acute infection before surgery, as seen in 2
- Warm compresses to reduce inflammation and discomfort
- Incision and drainage as a temporary measure if an abscess forms
- Definitive treatment with complete surgical excision of the cyst and its tract under local or general anesthesia
Key Considerations
- Complete removal of the cyst and its tract is crucial to prevent recurrence, with a high recurrence rate of 20-40% if not completely removed, as noted in 3
- Conservative management without surgery is an option for asymptomatic cysts, but patients should be aware that these cysts will not resolve on their own and may eventually require surgery if they become problematic
- Recovery after surgery usually takes 1-2 weeks with minimal scarring when performed by an experienced surgeon, as reported in 1
Surgical Technique
- The surgical technique should involve complete excision of the sinus, as highlighted in 1
- Identification of the extent of the sinus is crucial to ensure complete removal and prevent recurrence
- A safe and reliable technique should be used to ensure complete removal of the preauricular sinus with satisfactorily low recurrence rates, as described in 1