Description
A mass of tissue which develops in the middle ear or in the eardrum. It usually occurs in situations where the eustachian tube is blocked. Negative pressure in the middle ear creates a sac or cyst that fills with old skin cells and other waste material. The cyst may become infected, and may get bigger breaking down some of the middle ear bones, affecting hearing.
Symptoms
Ear pain, dizziness, decreased hearing, drainage from the ear.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: CT scan, and/or electronystagmography.
Tests:
CT Scan
Other Specific Tests: Caloric stimulation, electronystagmography
Specialists:
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology)
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: CT scan, and/or electronystagmography.
Tests:
CT Scan
Other Specific Tests: Caloric stimulation, electronystagmography
Specialists:
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology)
Treatment
Cholesteatomas usually continue to grow and require surgical removal. 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 a microscope or an otoscope, a special instrument to view the ear. Sometimes a mass of blood vessels may be seen in the ear.