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Page last modified: September 7, 2008
Cholesteatomas are tumor like growths in the middle ear (see above). They are generally formed from the skin cells on the outside of the eardrum, that have become folded into the middle ear as a result of an ear infection with a perforation of the ear drum. Some are also congenital due to pockets of tissue located in the middle ear.
A cholesteatoma may form a cyst within the middle ear consisting of squamous epithelium (skin), often containing cholesteral crystals.
Presenting symptoms commonly include hearing loss on one side (of the conductive type), ear pain, drainage. Dizziness is an occasional symptom.
Damage to the middle and inner ear from a cholesteatoma is due to erosion and expansion of the cholesteatoma. This generally occurs gradually over years. Hearing is usually lost first as the cholesteatoma destroys the ossicles of the middle ear and fills the middle ear.
Dizziness may occur if the cholesteatoma erodes into the inner ear -- for example, a cholesteatoma may break into the horizontal semicircular canal, causing an "otic capsule fistula"
Most individuals with cholesteatoma will have a large number of abnormal ear tests.
Surgery is the main treatment for cholesteatoma. An attempt is made to excise the inflammatory mass.
There are two general types of surgery - -
In both of these surgeries the goal is to removed the "matrix" of inflammatory cells as well as to faciliate ongoing monitoring for recurrence. In the CWD procedure the mastoid is opened, which can leave behind a large opening in the external ear canal, requiring periodic cleaning.
It is generally thought that surgeries that provide greater exposure - - CWU, have less recurence. In CWD surgeries, a recent study found residual cholesteatoma in about 20% (Haginomori et al, 2008).| © Copyright September 7, 2008 , Timothy C. Hain, M.D. All rights reserved. Last saved on September 7, 2008 |