Cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth inside the middle ear in the back of the eardrum. It can occur when wax and skin build up inside the ear or because of chronic ear infections.
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What are the signs and symptoms of cholesteatoma?
Some symptoms of cholesteatoma include:
- Drainage from the ear, often painless with a bad odor
- A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
- Earache
- Ear infections
What causes cholesteatoma?
The most common cause of cholesteatoma is a problem with the eustachian tube inside the ear. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the sinuses and nose, and helps control pressure behind the eardrum. When the eustachian tube does not work correctly, pressure can build up inside the ear. This pressure can pull the eardrum the wrong way, leaving an area where skin can build up, causing the cholesteatoma.
In rare cases, cholesteatoma can be a condition a child is born with.
How is cholesteatoma treated?
The options to treat cholesteatoma may include both surgical and non-surgical options.
- In some cases, cholesteatoma may be treated with eardrops and antibiotics.
- Surgery may be needed to remove the cholesteatoma if it continues to grow. Surgery may include removing bone from behind the ear, or rebuilding the hearing bones or the eardrum.
Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for cholesteatoma.