4 Interesting Facts of Cholesteatoma
- Abnormal nonmalignant tumor that develops as a result of migration of keratinized hyperproliferative squamous epithelium into the middle ear space; acquired cholesteatoma is a complication of repeated bouts of otitis media or chronic otitis media; congenital cases are rare
- Presents with malodorous otorrhea, ear discomfort, hearing loss, mass in the middle ear space, and sometimes otalgia; on examination, cholesteatoma appears as a whitish rounded mass visible deep behind the tympanic membrane, usually anteriorly or anterosuperiorly
- Many complications from excessive growth can result if not treated (eg, bony erosion, permanent hearing loss, perilymphatic fistula, facial nerve paralysis, intracranial infectious complications)
- Differentiate from otitis externa by clinical presentation and clinical course; differentiate disease by imaging if the diagnosis remains in question (CT is preferred over MRI)
