Could the bruise on my child's ear lead to cauliflower ear?

Question

My son is 2 1/2 and was rolling around on the floor when he hit his head (specifically his ear) on the very sharp corner of our futon. It immediately began to bruise and swell, and now it looks like he has a huge blood blister on the upper part of his ear. It's almost like a peanut M&M was inserted into his upper ear because it's round and bulging in the front and back of his ear.

Is this how cauliflower ear starts? It's a Saturday so his pediatrician isn't available, otherwise it'd be a no-brainer and I'd have her check it out just to be sure. But our only option is the ER to have them drain it. Is this necessary? If we wait until Monday, will it be too late? Or does cauliflower ear begin somehow entirely different?

Answer 1

Blunt trauma to the ear is how cauliflower ear develops. But it can be treated several days after the injury. Don't worry about going to ER unless you suspect a head injury (concussion). Otherwise, make an appointment with your pediatritian on Monday. I am an athletic trainer an we treat these injuries with ice initially and then refer them to a physician for observation and drainage if necessary. If it must be drained, they lance the bruise and then pack the ear to minimize any continued swelling. This all depends on the extent of the injury.