Cholesteatoma is a benign skin tumor lined by epithelial cells that usually forms inside the middle ear. This condition originates from a cystic structure inside the middle ear and is usually associated with otitis media. Cholesteatoma can grow over time and lead to various complications, so early diagnosis and treatment is important.
What Causes Cholesteatoma?
Cholesteatoma is usually caused by irregular functioning of the Eustachian tube in the middle ear. This disorder affects the pressure regulation in the middle ear, leading to deterioration of the middle ear structure.
Conditions such as chronic ear infections, sinus infections, colds and allergies can trigger the development of cholesteatoma by causing the Eustachian tube to become dysfunctional. If this tube, which regulates the air pressure in the middle ear, becomes blocked, the air in the middle ear is sucked in and a vacuum is created inside the ear.
This can cause the eardrum to collapse inwards and form a cyst. Dead skin cells, fluids and waste materials accumulate inside the cyst, which can lead to infections and inflammation. Chronic infections and persistent ear discharge can cause damage to the ear structure and hearing loss.
What are the Symptoms of Cholesteatoma?
Symptoms of cholesteatoma usually include pain in the ear, foul-smelling discharge, hearing loss and dizziness. These are symptoms that occur as the cyst behind the eardrum progresses. Symptoms of cholesteatoma are as follows:
Ear Pain: Cholesteatoma can cause pain by creating pressure inside the ear.
Foul Smelling Discharge: Cholesteatoma can cause the materials accumulated inside to become infected and cause a foul-smelling discharge.
Hearing Loss: The growth of the cyst can affect the hearing organs, causing temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Dizziness: If the cholesteatoma progresses, it can cause dizziness by pressing on the balance organs.
If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consult a specialized doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.
What are the Complications of Cholesteatoma?
Cholesteatoma can lead to serious complications if left untreated. These complications occur when the cyst becomes infected and damages the surrounding tissues. Potential complications of cholesteatoma include
Hearing Loss: Cholesteatoma can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss by pressing on the hearing organs as material builds up inside.
Facial Paralysis: Paralysis of the facial muscles can occur as a result of the cyst pressing on the nerves.
Meningitis: Cholesteatoma, if infected, can spread to the meninges and cause meningitis.
Brain Abscess: As the infection progresses, the mass can destroy the surrounding bones and cause a brain abscess.
Balance Problems: When the cholesteatoma interacts with the inner ear, it can lead to balance problems.
These complications emphasize the seriousness of cholesteatoma and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Examination and treatment by a qualified health professional can help minimize these potential problems.
How is Cholesteatoma Diagnosed?
Cholesteatoma is usually diagnosed by an otolaryngologist. The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the patient's symptoms, an ear examination and often imaging tests. During the ear examination, he or she evaluates foul-smelling discharge, ear pain, and visible deformities among the signs of cholesteatoma.
Imaging tests may include a computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests help to determine the size and location of the cholesteatoma and possible complications. An expert evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis and create a treatment plan.
How is cholesteatoma treated?
Treatment of cholesteatoma usually involves surgery. The surgery aims to completely remove the cholesteatoma and repair the surrounding tissues. After surgery, the aim is to restore the structures within the ear, preserve hearing function and control infection.
The treatment plan is determined depending on the size and location of the cholesteatoma and possible complications. After surgery, regular follow-up of the patient is important and long-term follow-up may be required. Medication can also sometimes help control infection after surgery. The course of treatment is individualized depending on the patient's general health, symptoms and the characteristics of the cholesteatoma.