Cholesteatoma (Middle Ear Mass)
Description
A mass of tissue which develops in the middle ear or in the eardrum. It usually occurs in situations where the eustachian tube is blocked. Negative pressure in the middle ear creates a sac or cyst that fills with old skin cells and other waste material. The cyst becomes infected, and may get bigger breaking down some of the middle ear bones, affecting hearing.
Symptoms
Ear pain, dizziness, decreased hearing, drainage from the ear, numbness around the ear.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: Caloric stimulation, CT scan, and/or electronystagmography.
Standard Workup
- CT Scan
Treatment
Cholesteatomas usually continue to grow and require surgical removal.
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