Cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is an abnormal, noncancerous skin growth in the middle ear space behind the eardrum. It is most commonly caused by repeated middle ear infections or chronic eustachian tube dysfunction. It starts as a small cyst, or sac, that sheds layers of old skin. The old skin can be locally destructive and become infected. This can lead to damage to the hearing bones and surrounding skull and mastoid bone.
Cholesteatoma symptoms can include drainage from the ear, a feeling of fullness, hearing loss, ear pain, and dizziness. Serious complications such as facial paralysis, deafness, and meningitis are rare.
Treatment for cholesteatoma will first involve a physical exam of the ear in the office using a microscope. A CT scan of the ear and surrounding bone will often be obtained for further evaluation of the cholesteatoma. Depending on the size of the cholesteatoma conservative treatment with observation and ear tube placement may be sufficient but most cholesteatomas will require surgical intervention to prevent progression and more severe complications.
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