Cholesteatoma

If you have a cholesteatoma, you might experience:

• a watery or pus-like, smelly discharge from your ear

• a feeling of pressure in your ear

• pain in your ear

• dizziness

• recurring ear infections 

• gradual hearing loss

• tinnitus (buzzing or ringing in your ear that doesn’t come from an external source)

However, your symptoms may vary depending on the exact cause of your cholesteatoma.

A cholesteatoma is usually a result of a retracted eardrum (a pressure imbalance that causes your eardrum to pull inwards). A pocket can then form and become filled with dead cells, which in turn, gradually become a cholesteatoma. 

Trauma to the ear, such as a ruptured eardrum or recurring ear infections, can also cause the growth. 

Some children are born with a cholesteatoma, which slowly progresses over time and only presents symptoms years later. This is known as a congenital cholesteatoma and is rare. 

Risk factors

You’re more likely to develop a cholesteatoma if:

• you’re prone to ear infections

• you’re male

• you have a history of middle ear disease

• you’ve previously had ENT surgery

• you have a cleft palate, Turner syndrome, or Down’s syndrome

At Welbeck, you’ll meet your consultant for an initial consultation. They’ll ask you about your medical history and symptoms. To diagnose and examine the size and position of your cholesteatoma, they’ll need to:

• conduct an examination

• run imaging tests such as a CT and/or MRI scan 

Your consultant will then be able to recommend the most effective and appropriate treatment for you.

Congenital cholesteatomas can’t be prevented. However, if you have recurring ear infections, you may be able to reduce your chance of developing a cholesteatoma. Be sure to:

• see a consultant to investigate the cause of the infections

• protect your ears from infection by washing your hands thoroughly, avoiding contact with people who have colds and similar illnesses, and draining water from your ears after swimming, showers, or baths

• avoid activities that can rupture your eardrum, such as air travel, using cotton buds, and acoustic trauma (loud sounds and blasts)

Serious complications can occur if you don’t get treatment. 

A cholesteatoma can eat away at the bones in your ear, and your hearing can be permanently damaged. It can also affect your facial nerve, meaning the muscles in your face could become weakened and may droop.

If you seek treatment for cholesteatoma, your symptoms and quality of life should be greatly improved. However, as cholesteatomas can return, you may need to have regular follow-ups.

Your treatment options will depend on the cause and symptoms of your cholesteatoma.

Surgery is generally needed to remove a cholesteatoma and the risks associated with it. Our consultants may be able to perform a minimally invasive procedure through your ear canal. However, depending on the size and position of your growth, it may be necessary to make a cut to remove it. 

If your cholesteatoma has also caused an infection in your ear, you may be prescribed ear drops and/or antibiotics to clear it.

At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.