Brain and ENT Clinic – Dr Lalit Mahajan In Nagpur & Dr Rachna Gangwani Mahajan In Nagpur

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Cholesteatoma

cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is a noncancerous, abnormal skin growth that can develop in the middle ear or mastoid bone, which is a bony structure behind the ear. Cholesteatomas are often cyst-like structures filled with old skin cells and other debris. They can erode and damage the delicate structures of the ear, including the bones responsible for hearing, the eardrum, and the small bones in the middle ear.
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough examination by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. The primary treatment for cholesteatoma is surgical removal to prevent complications such as hearing loss, facial nerve damage, and the spread of infection. The specific surgical procedure depends on the extent of the cholesteatoma and the damage it has caused.

Symptoms of Cholesteatoma

  1. Ear Pain or Discomfort: Persistent or recurrent pain in the affected ear.

  2. Hearing Loss: Gradual hearing loss is a common symptom, especially if the cholesteatoma affects the delicate bones of the middle ear.

  3. Ear Discharge: Foul-smelling discharge from the ear, which may be persistent or recurrent. The discharge may contain pus or other materials.

  4. Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the affected ear.

  5. Vertigo or Dizziness: Cholesteatoma can sometimes affect the inner ear, leading to balance issues and vertigo.

  6. Fullness or Pressure in the Ear: Some individuals may experience a sensation of fullness or pressure in the affected ear.

  7. Facial Muscle Weakness (Rare): In advanced cases, cholesteatoma can erode nearby structures, including the facial nerve, leading to facial muscle weakness.

Treatment Of Cholesteatoma

  1. Tympanoplasty:
    • Description: Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a perforated eardrum. It is often combined with cholesteatoma removal.
    • Purpose: To close the perforation and remove any cholesteatoma from the middle ear.
    • Procedure: The surgeon grafts a small piece of tissue onto the eardrum to repair the perforation. If cholesteatoma is present, it is carefully removed during the surgery.
  2. Mastoidectomy:
    • Description: Mastoidectomy involves the removal of the mastoid air cells, the bony area located behind the ear. It is often performed in cases where cholesteatoma has extended into the mastoid bone.
    • Purpose: To fully remove the cholesteatoma and infected tissue to prevent recurrence and complications.
    • Procedure: The surgeon removes the cholesteatoma and infected tissue from the middle ear and mastoid bone.
  3. Ossiculoplasty:
    • Description: Ossiculoplasty is a procedure to reconstruct or repair the small bones (ossicles) in the middle ear that may be damaged by the cholesteatoma.
    • Purpose: To restore hearing function by reconstructing the damaged middle ear structures.
    • Procedure: The surgeon may use prosthetic devices or grafts to reconstruct the ossicles.
  4. Medication: Antibiotics may be prescribed postoperatively to prevent or treat infection.
  5. Hearing Rehabilitation: If hearing loss occurs, hearing aids may be recommended to improve hearing function.