Cholesteatoma

Ear problems can be caused by a number of conditions, including a cholesteatoma, a hematoma, or a granuloma. A cholesteatoma is an abnormal expanding sac of skin located in an abnormal location, such as the middle ear; this sac is actually caused by a benign growth of skin. This sac, or cyst, also sheds layers of skin, and these build up in the middle ear. A benign middle ear cholesteatoma can either be congenital, meaning present at birth, or acquired. Rarely, a patient may have an external auditory canal cholesteatoma.

What is the cause of cholesteatoma? This sac can be formed in essentially one of three ways. First, by trauma or infection; either of these can cause puncturing of the eardrum. In the body’s attempt to heal itself, skin from the eardrum may grow through the puncture wound and into the middle ear. People with congenital cholesteatoma are actually born with small pieces of residual skin that are trapped within the middle ear region.

The most common mechanism of formation of a cholesteatoma is the improper functioning of the Eustachian tube. Normally, the Eustachian tube is not fully open until we swallow or yawn. When the Eustachian tube doesn’t work properly, problems in air pressure equalization causes the eardrum to be sucked backwards; this eventually leads to the production of a sac lined with skin that goes on growing.

Serious problems begin when the sac starts shedding its dead cells, which accumulate in the middle ear region preventing proper drainage. Infection follows, as well as the release of enzymes that destroy bone. The sac itself will continue to grow and can seriously damage the delicate ossicles of the middle ear. Rare complications can be hearing loss, chronic dizziness and facial muscle paralysis. While cholesteatomas are not dangerous if diagnosed and treated, they can get very dangerous if ignored. Permanent hearing loss, a brain abscess and meningitis can occur.

Cholesteatoma symptoms include ear drainage with a foul odor. People with a growing cholesteatoma cyst may also start to feel full or may experience a sense of pressure in the ear; sometimes this fullness is accompanied by hearing loss. Patients have also reported pain behind or in the ear, most often at night. Finally, some patients experience dizziness and/or a sense of weakness in their facial muscles, on the side of the face of the infected ear.

Cholesteatomas are removed by cholesteatoma surgery, which also aims to eliminate the infection and fluid buildup caused by the growth. Surgeons will also attempt to restore hearing, either during cholesteatoma surgical removal or in a second intervention. If you look online, there are many cholesteatoma pictures and images of cholesteatoma surgeries. While running to your physician and demanding “Tell me what a cholesteatoma is” may not be the right way to approach the matter, your physician can help you if are experiencing an ear problem; a cholesteatoma is not a serious condition if caught early.