From the Research
Ear canal cysts can be caused by several factors, with blocked glands being the most common culprit, as supported by the most recent study on sebaceous glands and their role in health and diseases 1. The causes of ear canal cysts can be multifaceted, including:
- Blocked oil-producing sebaceous glands or sweat glands in the ear canal, which can become obstructed, leading to fluid buildup and cyst formation
- Trauma to the ear canal from objects like cotton swabs, earbuds, or hearing aids, which can damage the skin lining and trigger cyst development
- Chronic ear infections, which may contribute by causing inflammation and abnormal tissue growth
- Genetic predisposition to developing cysts in various body locations, including the ear canal
- Excessive earwax production or impaction, which can block glands and create an environment conducive to cyst formation According to the study on the physiology, pathophysiology, and anthropology/epidemiology of human ear canal secretions 2, two types of glands are found in the outer third of the human ear canal: sebaceous glands that produce sebum and modified apocrine glands that produce apocrine sweat. The study on human ceruminous gland: ultrastructure and histochemical analysis of antimicrobial and cytoskeletal components 3 also highlights the importance of cerumen in protecting the ear canal against physical damage and microbial invasion. Most ear canal cysts are benign and may resolve without treatment, but persistent or painful cysts should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, as suggested by the study on dermatologic diseases of the external ear 4. Treatment options include warm compresses to promote drainage, antibiotics if infection is present, or minor surgical procedures for removal if the cyst is large or causing significant symptoms. Avoiding ear canal trauma by refraining from inserting objects into the ear can help prevent these cysts from forming, as implied by the study on the updated review of the sebaceous gland and its role in health and diseases Part 1: Embryology, evolution, structure, and function of sebaceous glands 5.