what is cauliflower ear

Cauliflower ear is a deformity of the ear caused by blunt force trauma or repeated injury to the outer ear, leading to the accumulation of blood or other fluids between the cartilage and the skin. This can result in the ear looking lumpy, misshapen, or shriveled, resembling a cauliflower. The condition is commonly seen in individuals involved in contact sports such as boxing, wrestling, and martial arts. Prompt treatment, typically involving drainage of the accumulated fluid, is essential to prevent permanent deformity. The term "cauliflower ear" is often used interchangeably with subperichondrial hematoma, boxer's ear, or wrestler's ear