What is a cholesteatoma?
A cholesteatoma is a pathological growth in the middle ear - it can be either congenital or acquired.
Treatment is necessary, because otherwise the risk of infection increases, which can cause damage to the hearing and facial nerves. The only treatment method is surgery.
The following symptoms are characteristic:
- Odorous discharge from the ear;
- A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear;
- Dizziness;
- Recurrent ear infections;
- Sometimes hearing loss or a feeling of noise.
- The main cause is a retracted eardrum, the middle ear cavity.
Cholesteatoma is characterized by recurrence, therefore, an otolaryngologist will recommend regular check-ups, which may include a hearing test, ear irrigation, or other procedures.
Be sure to contact your doctor if you notice the following signs after surgery:
- Discharge or bleeding from the ear;
- Ear pain;
- Fever of 38 degrees;
- Fluid draining from the ear.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21535-cholesteatoma
