Cholesteatoma is a non-cancerous growth of skin cells that can occur in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. It can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develop later in life) and can cause various complications if left untreated.
In some cases, there may be no symptoms.
Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the growth and repair any damage that it has caused. The surgical procedure can be done through the ear canal or may require a more extensive procedure that involves making an incision behind the ear.
After surgery, follow-up care is necessary to monitor for any recurrence of the cholesteatoma and to manage any hearing loss or other complications that may have resulted from the growth.
If you suspect you have cholesteatoma, it is important to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for evaluation and treatment. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and preserve hearing.
