The external ear provides many functions. It collects sound waves and channels them to the middle and inner ear, provides support for eyeglasses, and is important for cosmesis. A normal appearing ear is unnoticed, but an irregular appearance of the external ear is obvious.

The ear, in a protruding position from the head, receives significant sun exposure and consequently is the site for the development of cutaneous malignancies. Squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma of the external ear account for 5% to 8% of all skin cancers.<sup>4 Cielley R.I., Bumsted R.M., Smith W.H. Malignancies on the external ear: Methods of ablation and reconstruction of defects J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1979 ;  5 : 762-767

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Additionally, benign skin conditions occur on the ear, including chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helices, keloids, nevi, and epidermal inclusion cysts among others.