Cholesteatoma

Question 1

What is a cholesteatoma

Answer 1

Abnormal collection of squamous epithelial cells in the middle ear. Non-cancerous but can invade local tissue, nerves, bones.

Question 2

Cholesteatoma presentation

Answer 2

Child presenting with foul discharge from ear, unilateral conductive hearing loss. May have pain and vertigo. Deep retraction of tympanic membrane, may be perforated. Pearly-white mass located behind tympanic membrane

Question 3

Cholesteatoma causes

Answer 3

Eustachian tube dysfunction may cause negative pressure in ear - tympanic membrane retracts + proliferates.

Question 4

Cholesteatoma differentials

Answer 4

Otitis media with effusion, otitis externa, tympanosclerosis

Question 5

Cholesteatoma management

Answer 5

CT head to confirm, surgical removal of cholesteatoma