Unusual auricular complications in cutaneous oncology.

The anatomic complexity of the pinna predisposes that structure to a variety of unique, site specific postoperative complications following management of skin cancer. We describe four unusual auricular complications: 1) radiochondronecrosis; 2) autonecrosis of skin during second intention healing; 3) hearing loss secondary to tragal retraction over the external auditory canal; and 4) extension of tumor through fenestrated cartilage. Well-known postoperative auricular complications are reviewed and anticipation and recognition of these unusual complications are emphasized.