Cholesteatoma is a type of skin cyst located in the middle ear.

Complications of Cholesteatoma

• Brain abscess.
• Deafness in one ear.
• Dizziness (vertigo).
• Erosion into the facial nerve (causing facial paralysis).
• Labyrinthitis.
• Meningitis.
• Persistent ear drainage.
• Spread of the cyst into the brain.

Causes of Cholesteatoma

• Cholesteatoma can be a birth defect (congenital), but it more commonly occurs as a complication of chronic ear infection.
• Poor function in the eustachian tube leads to negative pressure in the middle ear. This pulls a part of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) the wrong way, creating a sac or cyst that fills with old skin cells and other waste material. The cyst becomes infected. The cyst may get bigger and break down some of the middle ear bones, affecting hearing.

Signs & Symptoms of Cholesteatoma

1. Dizziness.
2. Drainage from the ear.
3. Hearing loss in one ear.
4. Pain or numbness in or around the ear.

Diagnosis of Cholesteatoma

An ear exam may show a pocket or perforation (opening) in the eardrum, often with drainage. The deposit of old skin cells may be visible with an otoscope, a special instrument to view the ear.

The following tests may be performed to rule out other causes of dizziness.

• Caloric stimulation
• CT scan
• Electronystagmography

Treatments of Cholesteatoma

Surgery is needed to remove the cyst.

Prevention of Cholesteatoma

Prompt and complete treatment of chronic ear infection may help to prevent some cases of cholesteatoma.

When to seek Medical Advice

Call your health care provider if ear pain, drainage from the ear, or other symptoms occur or worsen, or if hearing loss occurs.