| cauliflower ear | Thickening and induration of the ear with distortion of contours following extravasation of blood within its tissues. Synonym: boxer's ear. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| cauliflower-ear deformity | Destruction of the underlying cartilage framework of the outer ear (pinnae), usually caused by either infection or trauma, resulting in a thickening of the ear. Classically, blood collects (haematoma) between the ear cartilage and the skin. There is a marked thickening of the entire ear which may be so extensive that the shape of the ear becomes unrecognizable. The ear is said to look like a piece of cauliflower. It is typically seen in wrestlers and boxers who have had repeated trauma to the ear. (12 Dec 1998) |