DDx
Diagnostic Considerations
A clinically distinctive feature of chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis (CNH) is that very often the patient presents for help because of the pain associated with the skin lesions. In contrast, cutaneous tumors in the differential diagnosis are usually painless, even when ulcerated. Consistent with this observation, Cribier et al found histologic evidence of nerve hyperplasia or increased numbers of small nerves adjacent to the involved cartilage primarily in chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis cases but not in control tumors. [12]
Differential Diagnoses
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Cystic chondromalacia
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Elastotic nodules of the ears
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Perforating dermatoses
Media Gallery
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Classic chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis on the superior helix.
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Close-up view of classic chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis.
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Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis on the antihelix.
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Taken during surgery, this photo demonstrates reflection of the skin, which reveals the underlying perichondrium and cartilage. After the cartilage is removed, the flap is reapproximated and sutured.
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Taken 6 months after surgery.
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Self-adhering foam in a curvilinear shape is placed on the non–hair-bearing postauricular scalp.
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A rectangular piece of self-adhering foam is placed on the non–hair-bearing postauricular scalp.
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