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Cholesteatoma
Pronounced: koh-lee-stee-ah-TOH-mah
by Diana Kohnle
En Español (Spanish Version)
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. If there is an ear
infection, the skin will continue to grow into a cholesteatoma.
While the tumors are benign, the growths can cause damage to the ears by destroying bones in the ear and causing
hearing problems. The tumors may also cause nerve damage, hearing loss, deafness, dizziness, and balance
problems.
Cholesteatoma is a serious medical problem, and early treatment is crucial for the best outcome. Serious
complications may occur if the tumor goes untreated, including destruction of both the middle ear structures
causing hearing loss, and inner ear structures causing vertigo (feeling of spinning or whirling). 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.
Regions of the Ear
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Causes
Cholesteatomas are most often caused by:
Ear infections
Congenital defects
Poorly functioning eustachian tube
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Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Chronic ear infections
increase your chance of developing cholesteatoma.
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, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include the following:
Hearing tests
Balance tests
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
Electronystagmography—used to test the function of the nerves related to hearing
Caloric stimulation—a test which diagnoses nerve damage to the ear
X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body
Treatment
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 up the fluid in the ear and include ear drops and oral antibiotics. Antibiotics are
prescribed to eliminate any infection in the ear.
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Prevention
Cholesteatomas caused by congenital defects cannot be prevented. However, proper treatment of ear infections
can prevent cholesteatoma.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
REFERENCES:
Cholesteatoma. ENT Health Information: Ears. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/ears/cholesteatoma.cfm . Accessed June 27, 2007.
DynaMed Editorial Team. Cholesteatoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated July 15, 2010. Accessed October 29, 2010.
Levenson M. Cholesteatoma. Ear Surgery Information Center website. Available at:
http://www.earsurgery.org/cholest.html . Accessed June 27, 2007.
Last reviewed September 2011 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS
Last Updated: 9/1/2011
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Copyright © 2011 EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.