Risk Factors And Causes Of Earlobe Cysts

Genetic Component

Microtia is the generic descriptive term for outer ear phenotypic anomalies related to head and neck development. Our understanding of the genetic component mechanism is historical but also embodies information gleaned from animal models and CRISPR (technology that reprograms 'broken' DNA). Pre-auricular tags may be associated with defects in the earlobe and other components of the pinna. The pinna develops in the embryo’s first branchial arch (sixth week). It becomes identifiable later (weeks eight and nine) and is complete by the fourth month (weeks sixteen and seventeen). Genetic errors at HOXA2 appear responsible for abnormal pinna development. The actual gene mechanisms for generating surface structures when the embryo is complete are not fully understood.