Cholesteatoma can cause pain in the ear, as well as: a feeling of fullness; drainage of fluid or pus; hearing loss; dizziness; and infections. In addition, the cholesteatoma can place pressure on delicate structures inside the ear, causing pain, vertigo or an uncomfortable sense of fullness.
Over time, these structures can become damaged, leading to further issues with hearing and balance. If you find yourself experiencing pain or any of the symptoms described above, it’s important to speak with a doctor to rule out a cholesteatoma and determine the correct course of action.
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What does cholesteatoma feel like?
A cholesteatoma can feel like a lump or bump behind the ear. It can also cause pain and discomfort, often described as an aching or fullness sensation behind the ear. Some can even describe it as feeling like an object is stuck behind the ear.
In addition, a cholesteatoma can cause hearing loss, drainage, dizziness, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Sometimes, a cholesteatoma may cause facial weakness or numbness, and affected individuals may experience headaches as well.
Other symptoms may also present such as bad breath or an unpleasant odor, itchiness, and balance problems.
What can be mistaken for cholesteatoma?
Cholesteatoma can be mistaken for other conditions such as serous otitis media, and cysts in the middle ear, such as a glomus jugulare or tympanic cysts. In addition, cholesteatoma can easily be mistaken for other causes of ear infections, such as a bacterial or fungal infection, as these can also cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and other similar symptoms.
It can also be mistaken for a brain tumor, if the cyst is located near the brain. Finally, growths in the ear such as tumors, polyps, and cholesteatomas can be mistaken for skin tags, which are benign lesions found in the ear canal, or even tumors of the skull base.
How quickly does cholesteatoma grow?
Cholesteatoma is a non-cancerous growth of skin and bones in the middle ear and middle ear structures. It can grow quite rapidly, especially in children, and is caused by recurrent episodes of infection.
It can sometimes occur in adults if their eardrums have been damaged or if their Eustachian tube (the tube connecting the middle ear to the throat) is not working correctly.
The rate at which a cholesteatoma grows can vary from person to person, but it can grow relatively quickly, with some reports of cholesteatomas growing up to 1mm per week in some cases. It is important to seek medical attention if there are any signs or symptoms of cholesteatoma, and regular appointments with an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist can help manage and monitor the growth of cholesteatoma.
If the cholesteatoma grows large enough, then surgery may be needed to ensure that it is completely removed and further growth is prevented.
Can you have cholesteatoma for years?
Yes, it is possible to have cholesteatoma for years if the condition is not diagnosed or treated. Cholesteatoma is a non-cancerous skin growth that typically develops in the middle ear or behind the eardrum.
It gradually grows, destroying surrounding tissue and leading to hearing loss and other complications. If left untreated, cholesteatoma can continue to spread, leading to long-term complications such as hearing problems, difficulty with balance or vertigo, or facial nerve paralysis.
Early diagnosis and treatment with either surgery or other treatments are important to prevent the long-term complications of cholesteatoma.
When should you suspect cholesteatoma?
Cholesteatoma is an abnormal growth of skin cells in the middle ear that can slowly grow over time and put pressure on the surrounding tissue and organs. Suspicion of cholesteatoma should be raised for individuals experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, facial palsy, or tinnitus, as these can all be signs of a cholesteatoma.
Other key signs to watch out for include drainage or discharge from the ear (particularly a bad smelling discharge), a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, and irritation or discomfort in the affected ear.
It is important to note that cholesteatoma can develop without any external symptoms and typically a physical examination of the ear is necessary to diagnose the condition. Therefore, if an individual is experiencing any of the previously mentioned symptoms of cholesteatoma, it is important to seek medical attention.
Can an ENT see a cholesteatoma?
Yes, an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) is trained to identify and diagnose a cholesteatoma, which is an abnormal growth of skin cells in the middle ear. ENTs use several methods to obtain an accurate diagnosis of a cholesteatoma, including a physical examination, using a microscope to look inside the ear, and imaging tests.
Imaging tests such as CT (computed tomography) scans or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans allow the physician to clearly visualize and identify any issues present in the ear. After diagnosis, an ENT can help to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the patient’s condition.
Surgical intervention is often necessary to remove the cholesteatoma.
Can cholesteatoma be misdiagnosed?
Yes, cholesteatoma can be misdiagnosed. It is estimated that 10-15% of cases of cholesteatoma are misdiagnosed, since the symptoms of cholesteatoma can be very similar to other middle ear disorders. It is important to visit a medical professional immediately if symptoms of middle ear problems persist, such as a feeling of fullness, itching, hearing loss, pain, and drainage from the ear.
When left untreated, cholesteatoma can cause serious damage to the eardrum and middle ear structures, leading to hearing loss and other complications. To diagnose cholesteatoma, a doctor will typically perform a thorough ear exam, including an otoscope to check for signs of swelling or irritation in the ear canal.
The doctor may also order a CT scan or an MRI to check for signs of cholesteatoma in the inner ear.
If left untreated, cholesteatoma can cause extensive hearing loss and can even spread to other areas of the body. Therefore, it is important to have any suspicious middle ear symptoms checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
How can you tell the difference between a cholesteatoma and a Csom?
The most obvious difference between a cholesteatoma and a CSOM (Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media) is their origin. Cholesteatomas are relatively rare, acquired cysts that form over time as a result of abnormal and excessive keratin buildup.
This abnormal growth may be due to traumatic eardrum rupture, poor eustachian tube function, chronic infection, middle ear dysfunction, and more. Cholesteatomas can vary in size and may lead to hearing loss, balance problems, and other complications, depending on their size and location.
On the other hand, CSOM, also referred to as chronic otitis media with effusion, is an accumulation of pus, bacteria, and debris caused by recurrent middle ear infections. This inflammation can result in swelling of the eardrum and narrowing or complete blockage of the eustachian tube.
CSOM is more common than cholesteatoma, and, depending on its severity, can cause varying degrees of hearing loss.
To diagnose these two conditions, your doctor will likely complete an otoscopy, which is a visual inspection of the external ear using a light and magnifying lens. An audiometric evaluation will also assess hearing loss related to the condition.
Further testing such as imaging, CT scan, lab tests, or fluid analysis may be recommended depending on the individual case. Treatment approaches for cholesteatomas and CSOM can vary greatly, and your doctor will be better able to recommend a course of treatment and follow-up after a proper evaluation.
How aggressive is cholesteatoma?
Cholesteatoma is an aggressive type of benign tumor that commonly occurs in the middle ear and can cause irreversible damage if left untreated. It is thought to be caused by repeated episodes of acute infections and is usually found in the form of one or more cysts.
It can range in size from a pinhead to a large mass, and can cause an accumulation of keratin debris and other proteins, leading to an expansion of the open space. The aggressive nature of cholesteatoma is due to two factors.
First, the tumor is capable of trapping bacteria in its walls and growing over time, so even if the infection is gone, the tumor can still cause permanent damage. Second, cholesteatoma can erode into surrounding structures of the ear, such as the ear drum, the middle ear bones, and even the facial nerve, leading to potentially serious complications.
The aggressive nature of the tumor is why it is so important to seek medical treatment for cholesteatoma as soon as possible. Treatment may include antibiotic medications, drainage of the cholesteatoma cyst, removal of the cyst, and reconstructive surgery.
When is a cholesteatoma serious?
A cholesteatoma is a growth in the middle ear behind the eardrum, and is associated with chronic ear infection. When left untreated, a cholesteatoma can be a serious medical condition as it can cause loss of hearing, dizziness, balance problems, and facial muscle weakness.
It can also lead to severe complications such as facial nerve paralysis, meningitis, and facial bone erosion.
If a cholesteatoma is suspected, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Diagnosis is usually made with a CT or MRI scan, or an examination of the middle ear with a microscope. Treatment involves surgery to remove the cholesteatoma and to repair the eardrum and any other damage caused.
If treated early, long-term problems from a cholesteatoma can usually be avoided. In cases where the cholesteatoma has caused extensive damage, more complex procedures may be needed and recovery may take longer.
Is cholesteatoma surgery a major surgery?
Yes, cholesteatoma surgery is a major surgery. It is a procedure to remove an abnormal growth of skin cells in the middle ear that can lead to hearing loss and infections. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and can last up to four hours depending on the complexity of the condition.
During surgery, the cholesteatoma is removed and any mastoid air cells that are damaged are repaired in order to restore proper hearing and air flow in the ears. The surgeon may also repair any cranial nerve damage, typically due to pressure, that may have occurred.
After surgery, some hearing may be restored, but hearing aids may be required for full hearing loss repair. Recovery time for cholesteatoma surgery can range from days to weeks depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing times.
