About Cholesteatoma
The disease causes of cholesteatoma include:
- Overgrowth of skin cells with excess protein (keratin): Cholesteatoma is characterized by the excessive growth of keratinized skin cells in the middle ear and mastoid cavity, leading to the formation of a destructive lesion.
- Bone erosion (destruction): Cholesteatoma can cause erosion of the bone in the middle ear and mastoid cavity.
Risk factors of cholesteatoma include:
- Congenital factors: Some cholesteatomas can be present at birth or develop during early childhood.
- Genetic predisposition: Having a family history of cholesteatoma or related conditions may increase the risk.
It's important to note that cholesteatoma is primarily caused by the overgrowth of skin cells and bone erosion. Maintaining good ear hygiene and seeking prompt medical attention for ear infections or other ear-related issues may help prevent complications associated with cholesteatoma.
It's always best to consult with your healthcare professional for specific information regarding your individual situation.
The most common early symptoms of cholesteatoma include:
- Loss of hearing
- Pain in the ear
- Frequent and recurring ear infections
- Drainage from the ear, which often smells bad
- Feeling dizzy
- Sensation of ear fullness
As cholesteatoma progresses or becomes more severe, additional symptoms may occur, such as:
- Gradual worsening of hearing loss in the affected ear
- Persistent or recurring watery, often smelly, discharge from the ear
- Facial weakness on the side of the affected ear
- Increased frequency and severity of ear infections
It's important to note that symptoms can vary from person to person depending on the size and location of the cholesteatoma. Early evaluation and diagnosis are crucial for appropriate treatment and management. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.
To diagnose cholesteatoma, the following examinations, tests, and procedures are commonly performed:
- Physical exam: A healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam to look for physical signs of a medical problem.
- Otoscopy: An otoscope, which is a combination of a magnifying glass and a flashlight, is used to examine the ear for signs of cholesteatoma.
- Audiogram: This test evaluates hearing ability and can provide information about the state of a person's hearing.
- CT scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan may be ordered by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to determine the presence, location, and growth of cholesteatoma.
Additional examinations, tests, and procedures to determine the severity of cholesteatoma may include:
- Tympanometry: This test measures the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure and can provide information about middle ear function.
- MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide detailed images of the ear structures and help determine the extent and severity of cholesteatoma.
It's important to note that specific recommendations may vary depending on individual cases. Your healthcare provider will guide you through the diagnostic process based on your symptoms and medical history.
The goals of treatment for cholesteatoma are:
- Eradication of the disease: The primary goal is to completely remove the cholesteatoma, which is a cystic lesion composed of keratinized squamous epithelium.
- Prevention of recurrence: The aim is to ensure that the cholesteatoma does not come back after treatment.
- Achievement of a dry, self-cleaning ear: The goal is to create an ear that remains dry and can clean itself naturally.
- Preservation of auditory function: The objective is to maintain or improve the patient's hearing ability.
To achieve these treatment goals, various medication types, therapies, therapeutic procedures, health behavior changes, and other treatments may be recommended:
- Medication types: There are no specific medications that can cure cholesteatoma. However, coexistent infections may be treated with local and systemic antibiotics before surgical treatment.
- Therapeutic procedures: Surgical treatment is necessary to remove the cholesteatoma. The surgical methods used include canal wall up (CWU) and canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomies. These procedures involve removing the skin and clearing the infection, reconstructing the eardrum if necessary, removing bone behind the ear, and reconstruction of bone if necessary.
- Health behavior changes: After surgery, it is important to follow postoperative care instructions provided by your healthcare professional. This may include avoiding contact with water in some cases and attending routine check-ups at specific intervals.
It's important to note that each treatment option has its own benefits and considerations. Your healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on your individual situation.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.