Cholesteatoma – What it is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Cholesteatoma – What it is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments that many are still unaware of. In addition, cholesteatoma is a mass composed of skin (epithelial tissue) that forms inside the ear, into the eardrum. The inner surfaces of the middle ear are normally covered by respiratory-type mucosa, such as that lining the inside of the mouth, throat, nose, and lungs.

Once cholesteatoma is formed , its tendency is for continuous growth. Its destructive power comes from three factors: its growth and compression of neighboring structures, the production of enzymes capable of destroying tissues and the participation of bacteria causing chronic infection and inflammation.

Cholesteatoma is divided into two types:

• Acquired Cholesteatoma: Acquired Cholesteatoma is   the  most common  type of  Cholesteatoma . Acquired  Cholesteatoma  arises  from a perforation or invagination of the tympanic membrane ; may result from unresolved otitis.
• Congenital  Cholesteatoma: Congenital  Cholesteatoma develops  inside the middle ear with the tympanic membrane remaining intact. Its etiology is not yet known.

Causes of Cholesteatoma:  A Cholesteatoma  can develop if part of the eardrum membrane collapses because of problems equalizing the pressure across it. This occurs when the tube is not working properly, this connects the middle ear to the back of your nose and normally opens with swallowing. Normally, skin cells shed from the ear.

A cholesteatoma can also occur after the eardrum has been damaged due to an injury, infection, or after any type of ear surgery.

Symptoms of Cholesteatoma:

• Fluid leakage, sometimes persistent, from the ear (drainage);
• Decreased hearing acuity, usually unilateral;
• Otalgia (ear pain);
• deafness ;
• Dizziness;
• Local abscess;
• Erosion of the facial nerve (causing facial paralysis);
• Labyrinthitis;
• Meningitis.

Cholesteatoma Treatment:  There is no medication cure for cholesteatoma . The ideal treatment for cholesteatoma is usually surgery. In most cases, the specialist does a tympanoplasty to remove the cholesteatoma . One week after the surgery, the patient can resume their activities.

How to Avoid Cholesteatoma:  With the exception of the rare Congenital Cholesteatoma  , a large part of Cholesteatoma  can be prevented. It takes time for  cholesteatoma  to develop. Close monitoring of otitis cases , with control visits to the otolaryngologist, can almost always identify these changes, such as perforations or retractions of the eardrum. Once identified, the cholesteatoma must be corrected or closely monitored.

Note: Take care not to get your operated ear wet to remove the Cholesteatoma .

• You should be able to wash your hair after a week, providing that you don’t get water inside the ear (this can be avoided by plugging the ear with cotton wool coated with Vaseline).
• Swimming should be avoided for about three months after cholesteatoma surgery , and you should check with your surgeon at your follow-up appointment when it is safe to swim.
• It is generally recommended to avoid flying for four to six weeks after surgery.