Cholesteatoma Causes

Cholesteatoma is a medical condition characterized by a collection of skin cells and cholesterol in a sac forming within the middle ear. These cyst-like collections produce an unpleasant smelling discharge and are usually associated with chronic inflammation and infection of the middle ear, but some people acquire it at birth or because of perforations to the tympanic membrane (eardrum). The most common symptoms of cholesteatoma are ear drainage, pressure in the ear, dizziness and hearing loss if left untreated. Antibiotics can treat cholesteatoma, but some cases require surgery.

Chronic Ear Infection

• The most common cause of cholesteatoma is chronic ear infections caused by long-term inflammation and malfunctioning of the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube is a canal that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, and is responsible for regulating middle ear pressure. A eustachian tube that does not function properly will result in negative pressure in the middle ear causing a portion of the eardrum to pull inward. This chronic pulling creates a sac that becomes infected and fills with old skin cells, cholesterol and other debris.

Eardrum Perforation

• Perforations of the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, can be the result of long-term ear infections or direct trauma. These perforations can lead to cholesteatoma by allowing the skin that covers the outer surface of the eardrum to grow into the middle ear.

Birth Defect

• Congenital cholesteatoma can occur at birth when newly forming skin debris becomes trapped in the middle ear. This type of cholesteatoma is far less common, but can cause serious auditory problems if left untreated.