title: An unusual myofibroblastic proliferation of the pinna.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Myofibrosis of the ear is rare. Myofibromas are mesenchymal tumours which usually present in infancy but have been reported sporadically in adults.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To present a rare case of trauma as a cause of pinnal myofibrosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report. A 29-year-old soldier suffered repeated trauma from helmet wear and sports, and presented to our clinic with an exquisitely painful lump in the anti-helix of the pinna.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The lump was excised uneventfully. Pathology revealed a reactive myofibroblastic proliferation which, given the history of trauma, raised the possibility of a florid cellular repair process. The main differential diagnosis was myofibroma. Immunohistochemistry was used to exclude other possible causes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No similar case has previously been reported. The aetiology of myofibroma is unclear, but repeated trauma may be a trigger. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis are recommended when the diagnosis is ambivalent.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bath, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rowan
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farboud
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mitchard
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trinidade
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000293:injuries*; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D047708:Myofibroma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology