Final answer:
Tophi are nontender, hard, cream-colored nodules on the helix or antihelix, containing uric acid crystals. They are typically seen in patients with gout.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tophi are nontender, hard, cream-colored nodules on the helix or antihelix, containing uric acid crystals. They are typically seen in patients with gout, a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body. The presence of tophi is a sign of advanced gout and can occur in various locations, including the ear.