cholesteatoma Flashcards
1
Q
what is a cholesteatoma?
A
non-cancerous growth of squamous epithelium that is ‘trapped’ within the skull base causing local destruction
2
Q
in what age group is a cholesteatoma most common in?
A
10-20 year olds
3
Q
what increased the risk of cholesteatoma by 100x?
A
being born with a cleft palate
4
Q
what are the main features of cholesteatoma?
A
- foul-smelling, non-resolving discharge - hearing loss
5
Q
what are the other features of cholesteatoma (determined by local invasion)?
A
- vertigo - facial n. palsy - cerebellopontine angle syndrome
6
Q
what can you see on otoscopy in a pt with cholesteatoma?
A
‘attic crust’ - seen in uppermost part of ear drum
7
Q
how are pts with cholesteatoma managed?
A
referred to ENT for consideration of surgical removal
