Cholesteatomas are abnormal growth of skin cells behind the eardrum that can cause serious permanent damage to your hearing, balance and brain.
A comprehensive evaluation with an ENT surgeon and an audiologist is critical to the treatment and recovery from a cholesteatoma.
What Are the Symptoms of Cholesteatoma?
Symptoms of cholesteatoma include drainage from the ear, a feeling of fullness, hearing loss, earache and dizziness. Since these are also present in other conditions, tests such as CT scans and electronystagmography can be used to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis. Cholesteatomas continue to grow if not treated and can lead to complications such as:
- Deafness.
- Facial paralysis.
- Brain abscess.
- Meningitis.
What Is A Cholesteatoma?
Cholesteatomas are destructive cysts found in the middle ear. They can either be congenital (from birth) or acquired later in life. Cholesteatoma – Camino ENT – San Jose CAAcquired cholesteatomas can be caused by a tear in the ear drum. Common symptoms are hearing loss, a strong-smelling discharge from the ear (usually brown or yellow), bleeding from the ear, dizziness, vertigo, difficulty balancing, ear aches, headaches or ringing in the ears. There can also be a facial nerve weakness. However, some cholesteatomas do not cause any symptoms.
Are Cholesteatomas treatable?
Cholesteatomas can be removed by surgery, which may also include a mastoidectomy to remove a small portion of mastoid process bone that may be contributing to the problem. If left untreated, the cholesteatoma could lead to nerve deterioration, deafness, imbalance, vertigo and severe infections.
Call Camino Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic at (408) 227-6300 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
