Preauricular tag or pit

• familial (inherited tendency to have this facial feature)
• cat-eye syndrome
• Melnick-Fraser syndrome
• 4p minus syndrome

Note: There may be other causes of preauricular tags or pits. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for preauricular tags or pits, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:
(This finding is usually discovered by the health care provider during the first well-baby examination .)

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting this condition in detail may include:

• What exactly is the problem (skin tag, pit, or other)?
• Are both ears affected or only one?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination:
The baby will be examined for other signs of disorders that are sometimes associated with preauricular tags or pits.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider associated with preauricular tags or pits, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.


This is an illustration of the outside of the ear showing normal landmarks and several abnormal features including: earlobe creases, a preauricular pit, and a preauricular tag.