Cholesteratoma is an abnormal growth of the skin within the ear canal, behind the eardrum, which can be identified by the secretion of a strong secretion of ear odors, tinnitus and decreased hearing capacity, for example. Depending on the cause, cholesteatoma may be classified as:
Cholesteatoma looks like a cyst, but it’s not a cancer, however, if it grows a lot it may be necessary to resort to surgery to remove it, in order to avoid more serious damage, such as destruction of middle ear bones, changes in hearing, balance and function of facial muscles.
- Symptoms associated with the presence of a cholesteratoma are usually mild.
- Unless it develops excessively and begins to cause more serious ear problems.
- With the main symptoms observed:.
In more severe cases, there may still be perforation of the eardrum, damage to the ear and bones of the brain, damage to the nerves of the brain, meningitis and formation of abscesses in the brain, which can endanger a person’s life. as symptoms related to cholesteratoma are found, it is important to consult your otolaryngologist or family doctor to avoid developing a cholesteratoma.
In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, this abnormal growth of cells inside the ear creates an environment conducive to the development of bacteria and fungi, which can cause ear infections, as well as inflammation and discharge of secretions. See other causes of auditory flow.
Cholesteratoma is usually caused by repeated ear infections or changes in hearing tube function, which is a channel that connects the middle ear to the pharynge and helps maintain the balance of air pressure between both sides of the eardrum. These changes in the ear The tube can be caused by chronic ear infections, sinus infections, colds or allergies.
In rarer cases, cholesteratoma may develop in the baby during pregnancy, so it is called congenital cholesteatoma, in which tissue may grow in the middle ear or other areas of the ear.
Treatment of cholesteatoma is done by surgery, in which excess tissue is removed from the ear. Before performing the surgical procedure, antibiotics, ear or droplet application and careful cleaning may be necessary to treat a possible infection and reduce inflammation.
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and if cholesteratoma has not caused any serious complications, recovery is usually rapid and the person can return home a short time later. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital longer and use reconstructive surgery to repair the damage caused by choleteatoma.
In addition, cholesteratoma should be evaluated periodically to confirm that the removal is complete and that the cholesteratoma does not reproduce.