Cholesteatoma

How do I know if I have Cholesteatoma?

What signs or symptoms may make you suspect you may have Cholesteatoma. People who have experience in Cholesteatoma offer advice of what things may make you suspicious and which doctor you should go to to receive treatment

Cholesteatoma is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of skin cells in the middle ear. It typically occurs as a result of repeated ear infections, a perforated eardrum, or a congenital defect. If left untreated, cholesteatoma can lead to serious complications, including hearing loss, dizziness, and even infection of the brain.

Recognizing the symptoms:

Identifying the signs of cholesteatoma can be challenging as they often resemble other ear-related conditions. However, there are a few key symptoms that may indicate the presence of cholesteatoma:

Ear pain or discomfort: Cholesteatoma can cause persistent pain or a feeling of pressure in the affected ear.

Hearing loss: Gradual hearing loss, particularly in one ear, is a common symptom. This may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or muffled sounds.

Ear drainage: Foul-smelling discharge from the ear is often present. It may contain blood or pus.

Tinnitus: Some individuals with cholesteatoma experience ringing, buzzing, or other abnormal sounds in the ear.

Vertigo: Dizziness or a spinning sensation can occur due to the impact of cholesteatoma on the balance system.

Seeking medical evaluation:

If you suspect you may have cholesteatoma based on the aforementioned symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional, preferably an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). They will conduct a thorough examination to determine the presence of cholesteatoma.

Diagnostic procedures:

The doctor may perform the following tests:

Otoscopy: A visual examination of the ear using an otoscope to check for signs of cholesteatoma.

Hearing tests: Audiometry tests to assess your hearing abilities and identify any hearing loss.

Imaging tests: CT scans or MRI scans can provide detailed images of the ear structures, helping to confirm the presence of cholesteatoma and determine its extent.

Treatment options:

If cholesteatoma is diagnosed, treatment typically involves surgical intervention to remove the abnormal growth and repair any damage. The specific procedure will depend on the severity of the condition and the extent of damage to the ear structures.

Conclusion:

While the symptoms mentioned above may indicate the presence of cholesteatoma, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. Early detection and appropriate treatment can help prevent complications and preserve your hearing.

by Diseasemaps

You wouldn't know going into it that that is what you have but after living through it once you definitely know if it has come back.

7/23/17 by Leah 2055

Continious ear infections, wich not treated by antibiotics, you should go to an otologist

10/4/17 by Olgaamsalem@yahoo.com 2000

You probably cannot be certain w/o a CT (or back in 1998 it was the surgical procedure when mine was discovered!). I think CT scans have vastly improved. If you have thick, granular, possibly grey or bizarre colored gunk coming from your ear, that might be a good indication. If you have severe ear pain that feels like your ear IS about to burst, that may be an indicator. If you've had these and you go undiagnosed (bad doctor or you've not seen any doctor), eventually you'll probably get pain in the mastoid bone (behind ear) and a very disturbing CLOGGED ear/face....if it proceeds untreated you may find your facial nerve affected. It would feel like your foot does when it falls asleep. Headaches that come on after one or several of the symptoms I described. Headaches that interrupt your thinking process....I had those too. One sided, the C-toma side (ONLY). ALL symptoms were ONLY one-sided.

10/18/17 by CTomaDue2MisDXBADdoc 3500

If you feel dizzy, got pain you‘ll go to the doctor and they will find out

2/27/18 by A. 2650

Though may exhibit the symptoms associated with the disease however only a trained physician can make the diagnosis many general practitioners are not aware of the condition

9/23/18 by Sandra 2900

General feeling of poor hearing in one or both ears, discharge, foul smelling.

10/12/18 by glen 3500

You need to see an ENT and get a catscan

12/6/20 by Joseph 2500

I know when my cholesteatoma is back when my symptoms start coming back. I follow up with my ENT who confirms it.

12/29/20 by Doreen 2600

you will have pain in the back of your ear your ear with ache and it's more than likely that you have a history on common ear infections

1/24/22 by read 3000

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