What causes Cholesteatoma and what are its symptoms

Posted on 06/09/2022 by RBH

What is Cholesteatoma 

Cholesteatoma is basically a condition in which abnormal and noncancerous skin growth usually both develop in the middle section of the ear which is located behind the eardrum. Usually, this type of condition occurs from birth which means one can call it a birth defect but in most cases, it is caused due to consecutive or repeated infections in the middle ear. Usually, it begins as a cyst or a structure that sheds a layer of old skin; it is basically the dead skin that is accumulated. This type of growth increases in size with time and then destroys the delicate structure of the bones present in the middle year which in turn affects the function of hearing body balance and the function of facial muscles.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of cholesteatoma might vary from person to person. Usually, the symptoms are mild in the beginning and difficult to identify but as the cyst grows in size then the problem and the symptoms become more prominent. This happens because the growth of the cyst creates pressure in the ear that causes pain and discomfort. The severity of this disease might even cause loss of hearing. Some of the symptoms might include:

• Vertigo
• Facial muscle paralysis
• Partial or permanent hearing loss
• Itching the ear
• Buzzing sound in the ear
• Pain
• Leakage of fluid( foul smell)
• Pressure and discomfort
• Ear infection
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Trouble in hearing
• The feeling of fullness in one ear
• Pus
• The problem with body balance
• Constant headache
• Nausea

Causes:

There can be various reasons for having cholesteatoma, some of these reasons might include:

• Constant earring section is one of the prime reasons for having this disease.
• Any type of injury or trauma might also lead to cholesteatoma.
• Exposure to sudden pressure of water.
• In many cases, this type of defect is congenital forms during the development of the fetus. Some parts of the lining of the ear swell up inside the bone as it grows.
• Poor functioning of the eustachian tube might also lead to cholesteatoma which can be caused due to various factors such as cold, allergy, sinus infection, or prolonged ear infection.

How can it be treated?

Generally, the only way to get rid of cholesteatomas is through surgical removal. It becomes necessary to remove the cyst in order to prevent the complications that occur with its growth. Such kinds of cyst growth do not get cured naturally and they require medications, antibiotics, ear drops, and constant cleaning of the ear in order to reduce its inflammation and leakage of fluid.

Medications are required in order to reduce the swelling and stop the leakage and after that surgery is necessary. The doctor removes the cyst with absolute precision while maintaining hygiene so that it does not cause any kind of infection during or after the surgery. In some cases, reconstruction becomes necessary when the damage is severe.

Rukmani Birla Hospital is one of the best multi-specialty hospitals that provide the best ent treatment in Jaipur. We have a team of best ent doctors, and healthcare professionals who are dedicated to providing the best of treatment. If you have any queries regarding ENT, contact RBH for expert assistance and care.