A pseudocyst of auricle is a benign, fluid-filled cavity that develops in the intracartilaginous spaces of the ear. It is typically unilateral and thought to be caused by chronic minor trauma with a possible contribution of prior embryologic dysplasia of the auricular cartilage. An auricular pseudocyst usually manifests as a painless, fluctuant outer ear swelling, but minor discomfort and inflammation have been reported. The vast majority of cases are unilateral; bilateral cases, either synchronous or asynchronous, also occur.

Auricular pseudocysts occur predominantly in men (average age of 35-40 years) but can develop in women as well as in children of both sexes.