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Cholesteatoma is a type of skin cyst located in the middle ear.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCholesteatoma can be a birth defect (congenital), but it more commonly occurs as a complication of chronic ear infection.
Poor function in the eustachian tube leads to negative pressure in the middle ear. This pulls a part of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) the wrong way, creating a sac or cyst that fills with old skin cells and other waste material. The cyst becomes infected. The cyst may get bigger and break down some of the middle ear bones, affecting hearing.
Symptoms- Dizziness
- Drainage from the ear
- Hearing loss in one ear
- Pain or numbness in or around the ear
An ear exam may show a pocket or perforation (opening) in the eardrum, often with drainage. The deposit of old skin cells may be visible with an otoscope, a special instrument to view the ear.
The following tests may be performed to rule out other causes of dizziness.
TreatmentSurgery is needed to remove the cyst.
Expectations (prognosis)Cholesteatomas usually continue to grow if not removed. Surgery usually works, but you may occasionally need the ear cleaned by a health care provider. Additional surgery may be needed if the cholesteatoma comes back.
Complications- Brain abscess
- Deafness in one ear
- Dizziness (vertigo)
- Erosion into the facial nerve (causing facial paralysis)
- Labyrinthitis
- Meningitis
- Persistent ear drainage
- Spread of the cyst into the brain
Call your health care provider if ear pain, drainage from the ear, or other symptoms occur or worsen, or if hearing loss occurs.
PreventionPrompt and complete treatment of chronic ear infection may help to prevent some cases of cholesteatoma.
ReferencesSmith JA, Danner CJ. Complications of chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2006;39(6):1237-1255.
What else can I help you with?
What are the eesults of Cholesteatoma surgery?
Most Cholesteatoma surgery have great results. After having this surgery most people can hear.
Is a cholesteatoma a valid employment disability?
No. A cholesteatoma is a treatable medical condition not a disability. Hearing loss is a valid employment disability.
What are the symptoms of cholesteatoma?
Some symptoms of the cholesteatoma can include smelly discharged fluid coming out from the ear. As well as birth defect during birth which is also common.
What is the cpt for transcochlear approach for removal of cholesteatoma?
69799
How many people have a cholesteatoma?
about 12 in 10 million
What medical condition is mastoidectomy used to treat?
to treat cholesteatoma; a second-look procedure is generally performed to ensure that the entire cholesteatoma was removed during the initial procedure.
What is the cause of cholesteatoma?
There a few different things that can cause cholesteatoma. Some of these things include a birth defect and chronic ear infections.
Who invented surgery for cholesteatoma?
I'm not entirely sure, but you can find more info about cholesteatomas at http://www.cholesteatoma.net .
Can a fall or trauma cause cholesteatoma?
Trauma to the ear drum can do it. I'm not sur ehow a fall would do it.
Who was the youngest person ever diagnosed with Cholesteatoma?
as far as i know i am the youngest person diagnosed with a cholesteatoma i was 9 years old in 2004 when first diagnosed but when i went in for pre op the doctors said they couldn't see it, i am now 14 years old and have been diagnosed AGAIN
What is cystic mass made up of epithelial cell debris and cholesterol found in the middle ear?
Cholesteatoma is a cystic mass often found in the middle ear. It is composed of epithelial cell debris and cholesterol. If left untreated, it can lead to hearing loss and other complications.
Is it safe to fly with a cholesteatoma in an ear?
It is generally safe to fly with a cholesteatoma in your ear, but you may experience discomfort due to changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing. It's advisable to consult with an ear, nose, and throat specialist before flying to ensure there are no concerns specific to your case.
