Hairy Pinnae after Orchiectomy and Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer: Acquired Localized Hypertrichosis of the Ears

Abstract

Acquired localized hypertrichosis has rarely been reported. Here, we describe a patient with localized hypertrichosis of the pinnae that occurred 4 months after orchiectomy and chemotherapy for a testicular carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first case of an acquired hypertrichosis of the pinnae after cancer therapy. We propose that in our patient either hypogonadism or the hormonal imbalance caused by the cancer therapy led to the development of the hairy pinnae, perhaps alongside a genetic predisposition for hairy ears.

Neonatal Hairy Ear Pinnae and Gestational Diabetes: Just a Coincidence?

“…Acquired causes of ear hypertrichosis include malignancy, chemotherapy, hormonal imbalance , human immunodeficiency virus infection , and minoxidil therapy for refractory hypertension .…”

High Frequency of Hypertrichosis after Cast Application

“…This may be explained by the relative hyperandrogenemia in females due to the menopause and the relative hypoandrogenemia in males due to the andropause after the age of 50. A report has speculated that hypophyseal hormones including follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone may induce the development of hairy pinnae in a patient after orchiectomy and chemotherapy for testicular cancer via the luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin receptors on the root shaft of anagen hair [16]. However, considering the close relationship between the age and frequency of postcast hypertrichosis, and the certain switch in gender predominance in patients older than 50 years in the present study, we propose that the gonadal sex hormones may play the primary role in the course of postcast hypertrichosis rather than a stimulating effect of the hypophyseal system.…”

Hairy ears; Revisited

“…Hairy ears is mainly of a cosmetic concern. However, hairy ears have been described in infants born of diabetic mothers [16,17], a baby with congenital malformation [18], in association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection [19], in patient with cancer (lanugo hair) [20] and after using some medications [21][22][23]. There is also report of infection of the ear being precipitated by increased hair on the ears [23].…”