A cholesteatoma is a type of cyst found in the middle ear behind the eardrum. It is a noncancerous tumor.
Regions of the Ear
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A cholesteatoma forms when the skin grows through the hole in the middle of the ear. It can occur due to a damaged eardrum or a defect at birth.
Factors that increase your risk of a cholesteatoma include:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Diagnosis is usually made based on visual symptoms.
Images may be taken of your middle ear and surrounding structures. This can be done with:
Your nerve function may be tested. This can be done with:
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 , muscle weakness, and a sensation of spinning known as vertigo . If the infection spreads to the brain it can lead to meningitis and brain abscess.
Cholesteatoma responds well to surgical treatment. Patients are likely to recover fully without complications if the tumor is caught and treated early with surgery.
Surgery prevents complications such as hearing loss and balance problems. Thorough cleaning of the ear is necessary to remove fluid and bacteria. It is done with a scalpel or a needle and a syringe. Eardrops are also usually given to prevent the infection from returning.
Medications are necessary to dry the fluid in the ear if allergies or other causes are producing excess fluid.
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
Cholesteatoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated June 27, 2013. Accessed September 11, 2014.
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 September 11, 2014.
Levenson M. Cholesteatoma. Ear Surgery Information Center website. Available at: http://www.earsurgery.org/cholest.html. Accessed September 11, 2014.
4/29/2014 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Angtuaco EJ, Wippold FJ. American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria for hearing loss and/or vertigo. Available at: http://www.acr.org/~/media/ACR/Documents/AppCriteria/Diagnostic/HearingLossVertigo.pdf. Updated 2013. Accessed September 11, 2014.
Last reviewed August 2014 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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