Cholesteatoma is a skin cyst (growth) located in the middle ear or mastoid bone.
It can be present at birth, but it more commonly develops as a complication of a chronic ear problems. The cyst can continue to grow, cause hearing loss, and chronic infection. Dizziness, drainage from the ear, balance problems, and hearing loss in the affected ear are all symptoms of cholesteatoma.
Treatment
A cholesteatoma is removed surgically. Most cholesteatomas are removed through an incision behind the affected ear, but in some cases the cholesteatoma is removed through the ear canal. After surgery, you may need to come into our office from time-to-time to have your ear cleaned. Additionally, cholesteatomas can recur, requiring additional surgery.