A rare congenital form of cholesteatoma (one present at birth) can occur in the middle ear and elsewhere, such as in the nearby skull bones. However, the type of cholesteatoma associated with ear infections is most common.
A cholesteatoma is skin growth that can develop in the middle section of your ear, behind the eardrum. It may be a birth defect, but it's most commonly caused by repeated middle ear infections. A cholesteatoma often develops as a cyst, or sac, that sheds layers of old skin.
Initially, the ear may drain, sometimes with a foul odor. As the cholesteatoma pouch or sac enlarges, it can cause a full feeling or pressure in the ear, along with hearing loss and tinnitus. An ache behind or in the ear, especially at night, may cause significant discomfort. Dizziness, or muscle weakness on one side of the face (the side of the infected ear) can also occur. Any, or all, of these symptoms are good reasons to seek medical evaluation.
Types:
1.Congenital cholesteatoma: Primary acquired cholesteatoma or retraction cholesteatoma
2. Primary acquired cholesteatoma or retraction cholesteatoma
3. Secondary acquired cholesteatoma
Symptoms
you do have Cholesteatoma, then you might notice the following symptoms. Some of the symptoms exist depending on how long you have been suffering for.
Hearing loss – this is mostly temporary but if it isn’t diagnosed earlier then it could be permanent.
Vertigo – this is linked to loss of balance and a sense of dizziness
Noticeable fluid from the ear with a foul smell
Pain behind or in your ear over a period of time
Facial muscle paralysis – this is the symptom of severe cases of cholesteatoma.
Treatments
If one wants to achieve complete healing of a cholesteatoma, the only option is surgery.
Hannah is my 16 year daughter. She has had problems with her ears since she was born. Constant trips to gp pediatric Dr for antibiotics for ear infections and get big injection on antibiotics when it wouldn't clear up. There was no bounci...
I call cholesteatoma the beast because it is. I started with ear infection in 2006. Then I noticed a hearing lose.Not intll 2011 did I get to a doctor who gave a proper diagnosis. Sent to Dr. Giddings in Spokane Wa. Had surgery to remove C Toma and p...
Won't bore you with my dull medical history. Will say that it seems I am luckier than most, in that I have no day to day symptoms & I was able to swim, snorkel & even dive in some beautiful oceans before the disease was diagnosed.
I felt fea...
My 12 year old had his first surgery 2 weeks ago. ( 9/7/2016) after discovering he had it in feb. No history of ear infections until December 15. How're had to have grommets in 3 years ago due to glue ear. From what I understand this is just the star...
Hi, I would really like some info regarding laser treatment for ctoma. I know that this is available in the UK. Does anyone know if this is available in Ireland. Thanks
38 people with Cholesteatoma have taken the SF36 survey. Mean of Cholesteatoma is 1755 points (49 %). Total score ranges from 0 to 3,600 being 0 the worst and 3,600 the best. Take the SF36 Survey
Symptoms
Treatments
Jamie
