Cholesteatoma
Pronounced: koh-lee-stee-ah-TOH-mah
by Diana Kohnle
Definition
A cholesteatoma is a type of cyst found in the middle ear behind the eardrum. Cholesteatoma is a noncancerous tumor that forms when the skin of a punctured eardrum grows through the hole in the middle ear.
Regions of the Ear
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Causes
Cholesteatomas are most often caused by:
- Ear infections
- Congenital defects
- A poorly functioning eustachian tube
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Discharge from the ear, sometimes foul-smelling
- Pressure in the ear
- Hearing loss
- Earache
- Numbness of the ear
- Dizziness
- Muscle weakness in the face on the affected side
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include the following:
- Your doctor may examine your ears. This can be done with hearing tests and balance tests.
- You may need to have pictures taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:
- Your doctor may want to check the function of your nerves. This can be done with:
- Electronystagmography
- Caloric stimulation
Treatment
Cholesteatoma is a serious medical problem. Early treatment is vital for the best outcome. Serious complications may occur if the tumor goes untreated, including hearing loss, and vertigo. Spreading of infection to the brain can lead to meningitis and brain abscess.
Cholesteatoma responds well to treatments. Patients are likely to recover fully without complications if the tumor is caught and treated early. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Cleaning
Thorough cleaning of the ear is necessary to remove fluid and bacteria. Eardrops are also usually administered.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary if the tumor is threatening hearing or balance.
Medications
Medications are necessary to dry the fluid in the ear. Ear drops and oral antibiotics are often prescribed. Antibiotics will eliminate any infection in the ear.
Prevention
Cholesteatomas caused by congenital defects cannot be prevented. However, proper treatment of ear infections can prevent cholesteatoma.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Pediatrics
HealthyChildren.org
http://www.healthychildren.org
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
REFERENCES:
Cholesteatoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated March 15, 2011. Accessed January 31, 2013.
Cholesteatoma. ENT Health Information: Ears. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/cholesteatoma.cfm . Updated March 2011. Accessed January 31, 2013.
Levenson M. Cholesteatoma. Ear Surgery Information Center website. Available at: http://www.earsurgery.org/cholest.html . Accessed January 31, 2013.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Kari Kassir, MD
Last Updated: 1/31/2013