{"id":309,"date":"2021-01-04T15:21:09","date_gmt":"2021-01-04T22:21:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neurotucson.fm1.dev\/ear-hearing\/cholesteatoma\/"},"modified":"2021-02-02T17:02:20","modified_gmt":"2021-02-03T00:02:20","slug":"cholesteatoma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/ear-hearing\/otology\/cholesteatoma\/","title":{"rendered":"Cholesteatoma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cholesteatoma, a benign (non-cancerous) type of tumor, consists of skin cells that abnormally accumulate in pockets within the middle ear\/mastoid. As cholesteatomas grow, they erode hearing bones and typically\u00a0conductive hearing loss<\/a>. Another common symptom is persistent\u00a0ear drainage<\/a>\u00a0(often mucous or pus) that has a foul odor. Cholesteatomas grow until they are surgically removed. There are no medications effective against cholesteatoma tumors. Advanced symptoms of late-stage disease include\u00a0dizziness<\/a>, facial paralysis, deafness, meningitis, or even brain abscess formation. Death is rare but possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cholesteatomas can be congenital (present at birth), but are most often acquired. Congenital cholesteatomas occur when small pieces of skin are trapped in the middle ear space at birth. Acquired cholesteatomas result from\u00a0tympanic membrane perforations<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Eustachian tube dysfunction<\/a>. In most situations, surgery is recommended due to the potential complications associated with uncontrolled infection and progressive skull base erosion. For those with serious medical comorbidities that preclude administration of anesthesia, periodic in-office cleanings under the microscope may be an alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main goals of surgery are to treat infection and create a dry, safe ear. While hearing typically improves, it may be unchanged or even worsened by maximal efforts to eradicate infection\/trapped skin. In most cases, hearing loss can be rehabilitated using a variety of surgical and non-surgical technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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