Branchial Remnants / Ear Tags

Branchial remnants are often referred as anterior ear tags. They consist of an extra skin lump associated with an underlying cartilage. This extra tissue is normal in nature and keeps growing proportionally with the child.

Most of the time, they occur in the pre-auricular region, right anterior to the ear; however, they may occur anywhere around the ear, but also in the cheek or neck.

Treatment usually involves a surgical excision of the extra skin and cartilage, in a painless fashion, in the outpatient setting. This is done as early as the parents would like.