A cholesteatoma is a benign skin growth that can lead to a cyst behind the eardrum and impact hearing, balance and facial muscles. Left untreated, a cholesteatoma has the potential for multiple complications, but high-quality treatment is available from our providers at Puget Sound Ear Nose and Throat. Soon enough, you’ll be on the road to recovery so you can fully engage with the world around you.
What Causes a Cholesteatoma?
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear and the throat. If this tube isn’t working properly, part of the eardrum can be pulled into the middle ear. This can create a cyst that fills up with fluids, skin cells and other materials.
In rare instances, children are born with cholesteatomas.
What Are the Symptoms of a Cholesteatoma?
If you’re experiencing dizziness, unilateral hearing loss, pressure or a feeling of fullness in the ear or drainage from the ear, you may have a cholesteatoma.
What Complications Do I Need to Be Aware Of?
Without treatment, a cholesteatoma will continue to grow and has the potential for multiple complications, including:
- Damage to the eardrum, bones inside the ear and facial nerves
- Permanent hearing loss
- Chronic ear infections
- Meningitis
- Brain abscess
How Common Is this Condition?
Cholesteatomas are relatively rare. Each year, they are diagnosed in 3 per 100,000 children and 9.2 per 100,000 adults.
Does a Cholesteatoma Require Surgery?
Cholesteatomas can only be removed with surgery. The goal of the procedure is to remove the cyst, stop the discharge and improve your hearing.
Surgery typically lasts two to three hours and involves the surgeon making a cut in the ear to remove the cholesteatoma.
Being diagnosed with a cholesteatoma might feel stressful, but our team at Puget Sound Ear Nose and Throat can help. We’ll answer any questions you have about treatment and ensure you feel comfortable with the process. Soon enough, you’ll be able to reconnect with the sounds in your world and engage in the activities that are most meaningful to you.
Call Puget Sound ENT for more information or to schedule an appointment.