Cholesteatoma: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Cholesteatoma commonly called an abnormal growth of non-cancerous or benign skin cells within the inner-ear before the eardrum. It is caused by dead skin cells that slowly develop into cyst-like bags. Due to this, there is impairment in hearing, balance as well as facial muscles and more. While Cholesteatoma isn’t cancerous, it is important to treat it soon to avoid chronic hearing issues.
For some Cholesteatoma is present since birth, for some it can be brought on by other causes. Usually it doesn’t grow in size, but if you notice any abnormal growth, consult your healthcare specialist right away.
Causes of Cholesteatoma
While there are many reasons why this condition can be brought no, some of the main ones that causes Cholesteatoma are:
- Frequent ear infections
- Untreated ear infections
- Eardrum infections or damage
- Facial bone abnormalities
- Inadequate Eustachian tube function
Causes of Eustachian Tube Malfunctioning
- Severe ear infections
- Sinus Infections
- Allergic reactions
Signs & Symptoms
Cholesteatoma can be difficult to determine solely through signs and symptoms on an early stage since it mimics many other conditions. However, some of the common symptoms with Cholesteatoma are;
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus
- Loss of hearing
- Ear drainage
- Facial muscle fatigue and weakness
- Pressure and fullness in ear
Complications
While Cholesteatoma is not life-threatening on its own, if left untreated it can definitely lead to serious complications. Some of these complications that can be caused by Cholesteatoma are:
- Permanent hearing loss
- Frequent and chronic ear infections
- Facial Paralysis
- Meningitis (Serious life-threatening brain infection)
- Brain Abscesses
These complications and causes should not be ignored and treated as soon as possible. This way, you won’t have to face such complications and can easily recover fast.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare specialist will start with the examination of your health, past health record and possible symptoms. If the condition is suspected, the doctor will refer you to an ENT specialist to progress with the process furthermore. The ENT specialist will use things such as CT scan to try to locate the precise location of Cholesteatoma. It will also help in determining how fast the growth and spread of it is.
Treatment
The most common treatments of Cholesteatoma doesn’t include surgery in the start, however sometimes it is only option left. After a proper diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe ear drops, cleaning and drainage before your surgery is scheduled.
Surgery
The surgery will follow through general Anesthesia. Following the surgical removal of cysts, it reconstruct possible damaged portions of the inner ear to ensure that the cyst is properly removed. Most of the times, the patient is discharged on the same day because of the high success rate of this overall process.
After the Surgery
Even if the surgery is a minor one without much complications, it is important to follow some precautions to have a healthy recovery. The best way for this following the surgery is;
- Avoid wearing headphones in the early weeks
- Keep your ear dry
- Avoid travelling or swimming for sometime
- Go for proper checkups with your doctor for the first 2 weeks
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