Condition: Cholesteatoma

A Cholesteatoma is disease of the ear, which develops when trapped skin forms a slowly expanding mass in the middle ear space and mastoid bone.

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What is
Cholesteatoma?

A Cholesteatoma is disease of the ear, which develops when trapped skin forms a slowly expanding mass in the middle ear space and mastoid bone. This mass will typically grow very slowly, and may cause hearing loss, dizziness, and a discharging ear. The condition can cause facial weakness, and there is a small risk of infection spreading more widely.


What is the
cause of Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma usually develops from a pocket which forms in the eardrum as a result of poor eustachian tube function, but can result from trauma to the ear, or be congenital (i.e. something present since birth, but which may present many years later after slowly progressing).


How is
Cholesteatoma diagnosed?

Cholesteatoma is diagnosed by careful examination under the microscope by an otologist. A CT and/or MRI scan may be arranged to examine the size and position of the disease.


What
treatment is available?

Surgery is generally required in order to remove the disease and the risk associated with it. Sometimes this can be performed through the ear canal, although it may be necessary to make a cut in order to expose the disease fully. Found out more about this type of surgery.



Cholesteatoma specialists

All our private ENT specialists at OneWelbeck in London are leaders in their sub-specialties, providing the highest quality treatment at custom-built facilities to ensure you receive the best available care. Click on the profiles below to see which of our consultants can help with Cholesteatoma.


Condition overview
Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma Specialists

Our consultants, who are all either heads of service at London teaching hospitals, or have played major roles in clinical innovation, employ their collective expertise, knowledge and deep experience to deliver the best care possible. Each team is made up of some of the country’s most well-regarded experts in their sub-specialist fields.