Pathological lesions of the external ear : A study of 500 cases

Abstract

A study of pathological lesions of the external ear was carried out during the period of two years. All 500 cases were grouped in four categories, Congenital, Injury, Infection and Cyst and Tumors I1111111111111t1111111111111111111111111111111 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIH ead and its chief information gatherers the eyes, ears and the nose are strategically positioned above the rest of the body. However the drawback of this location is the increased exposure to various diseases. Apart from congenital malformations, other problems include trauma, inflammation, infection, allergy and new growths.To know the etiology, pathology, bacteriology, clinical presentation and the effect of treatment modality on various lesions of the external ear, a systematic study was carried out during July 1994 to June 1996. This paper reports the details of the study of 500 cases. Material & MethodThe cases studied include patients attending ENT OPD and those referred by skim OPD, , paediatric OPD and burn wards. These 500 patients were classified in different age groups in both sexes. Each patient was evaluated by detail history and examination to reach a provisional diagnosis of the pathological lesion.In cases of infection, pus sample was collected by sterile cotton swab. The bacteria were identified by morphology colony characteristics and biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed. In suspected cases of otomycosis, two ear swabs or scraping of debris were collected. In positive culture, where 17 58

A Clinical and Microbial Study of Otomycosis: An Original Study

“…The irresistible urge to scratch the ear canal with the fingertip or any sharp instruments like hair pins facilitates subepidermal invasion of fungi. 6 In present study, in 90% of cases the wax was significantly absent. Cerumen has fungicidal property.…”

“…Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 31%, staphylococcus Albus accounted for 3%, Pseudomonas-16%, proteus-14%, klebsiella-13%, E.coli-6%, Streptococci-6%, Diphtheriodes-13.5%, mixed-3% of the bacteriologically positive cases. 2,3,6 TREATMENT: Clotrimazole topical ear drops were used in 60 patients. 40 patients (67%) were cured, 10 patients (17%) showed improvement, 5 patients (8%) did not improve, 5 patients (8%) did not come for follow up.…”