$Unique_ID{BRK00220}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{What Causes Cauliflower Ears?}
$Subject{cauliflower ear wrestling head gear}
$Volume{L-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Causes Cauliflower Ears?


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QUESTION:  They make us wear ear guards on the wrestling team to protect
against cauliflower ears, but I was never quite sure how the condition
developed.  Would you please explain?

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ANSWER:  Keep those protectors on, a cauliflower ear is not the most
attractive sight in the world.  The structure of the ear is formed by
cartilage, which gives it flexibility and shape.  Covering this is a tissue
which carries blood to the cartilage called the perichondrium.  When a
forceful blow strikes the ear, the blood vessels can rupture, bleed, and form
a clot, which can turn the ear into a swollen, shapeless reddish purple mass.
If allowed to remain untreated, the clot becomes a thick scar and may
eventually become hard as it is slowly transformed into bone-like material by
deposits of calcium.  A few such masses, and you have a cauliflower ear.
Proper treatment requires removal of the blood clot using suction drainage
through a cut in the skin.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
