REVIEWS
IMAJ | volume 28
Journal 10, October 2026
pages: 675-678
The Great Mimicker: Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis Presenting as Malignancy and Managed by Mohs Surgery
1 Department of Dermatology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
2 Mohs Surgery Unit, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
3 Recanati School of Medicine, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel
Summary
Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is a benign, painful, inflammatory condition of the external ear characterized by a solitary, hyperkeratotic, central-crusted nodule primarily affecting the helix or antihelix. We present a case of CNH clinically mimicking basal cell carcinoma, which was successfully identified and definitively cleared using Mohs micrographic surgery, resulting in immediate symptomatic relief and an optimal aesthetic outcome.