Cholesteatoma

Treatment:

The only known treatment is surgical removal of the cholesteatoma. Surgery may involve the creation of a common area in the middle ear and mastoid bone that may be periodically cleaned by the surgeon.

Expectations (prognosis):

Cholesteatomas usually continue to grow if not removed. Surgical treatment is effective, but there may be a need for periodic cleaning or repeat surgery if the cholesteatoma recurs.

Complications:

• deafness in 1 ear
• dizziness
• persistent ear drainage
• erosion into the facial nerve (causing facial paralysis)
• spread of the cyst into the brain
• labyrinthitis
• vertigo
• meningitis
• brain abscess

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if ear pain, drainage from the ear, or other symptoms occur or worsen, or if hearing loss occurs.