Cholesteatoma

Disease Overview

Cholesteatoma is an abnormal growth of skin in the middle ear behind the eardrum. It can be congenital (present from birth), but it more commonly occurs as a complication of chronic ear infections.[1882][13385] Individuals with this condition usually experience a painless discharge from the ear.[1883] Hearing loss, dizziness, and facial muscle paralysis are rare but can result from continued cholesteatoma growth.[1883][13385] Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the growth.[1883]

Synonyms

• Primary acquired cholesteatoma (type)
• Secondary acquired cholesteatoma (type)
• Congenital cholesteatoma (type)