- What is “cholesteatoma”?
- Why it occurs in the ear?
- How does it occur?
- How is it dangerous?
- When to treat it?
- What occurs if nothing is done?
- Will I always have this problem?
- Can it be treated and cured?
What is “cholesteatoma”?
It is a mass composed of skin cells and full of infection. It grows gradually and erodes the tissues around itself. Its growth is slow but continuous. These erosions can rarely cause facial palsy, deafness, vertiog and meningitis.
How does it occur?
It is most commonly caused by recurrent infections because of dysfunction of Eustachian tube. Rarely it has a familial form.
What kind of disturbances does it cause?
Ear has a bad odor drainage. As the cholesteatoma grows a fullness sensation and hearing defficiency accompanies. Facial muscles weakness may be felt at the same side.
Is it dangerous?
It may be, so should never be dismissed. By bone erodion it can cause intratympanic and intracranial complications.
What kind of treatment can be applied?
First treatment is againts the acute infection. After its cessation cholesteatoma can be taken out surgically.
First aim is to get rid of cholesteatoma and prevent it to recur. Routine check up after the operation is needed to control possible recurrings.
Summary
“Cholesteatoma” is a problem that can be diagnosed by examination and can be treated by surgery. If you have persistant drainage, pain, pressure and fullness feeling, dizziness and weakness in facial muscles then you must be consulted by an ear, nose, throat expert.