Cholesteatoma

A cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth that occurs in the middle ear behind the eardrum. It involves the ear system and can cause problems by damaging the delicate bones and tissues inside the ear. This growth can lead to hearing loss, persistent ear infections, and sometimes a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. If left untreated, it may cause serious complications such as dizziness or facial muscle weakness. The condition often develops after repeated ear infections or eustachian tube dysfunction, which affects normal ear drainage.

Cholesteatoma is a destructive and expanding cystic lesion of the middle ear and mastoid process characterized by the presence of keratinizing squamous epithelium. It typically arises due to chronic eustachian tube dysfunction leading to retraction pockets in the tympanic membrane or from migration of squamous epithelium through a perforation. The lesion accumulates keratin debris, causing local bone erosion and potential invasion of adjacent structures. Major clinical significance includes chronic otorrhea, conductive hearing loss, and risk of serious complications such as labyrinthitis, facial nerve palsy, and intracranial infections. Diagnosis is often delayed due to subtle early symptoms, and the condition requires surgical management to prevent progression.