Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is a serious and progressive ear condition that occurs when a noncancerous but destructive skin growth develops behind the eardrum. Although not a tumour, it can gradually erode the delicate structures of the middle ear, leading to repeated infections, hearing loss, dizziness, and in severe cases, complications beyond the ear. As a highly experienced ENT Specialist in Dubai, Dr. Amit Goel offers advanced diagnostic tools and surgical expertise to treat cholesteatoma effectively and prevent long-term damage.
What Is Cholesteatoma?
Cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells that forms inside the middle ear or mastoid bone. Over time, the trapped skin continues to grow and shed layers, expanding like a cyst. This growth produces enzymes that erode surrounding bones, affecting the ossicles (hearing bones), eardrum, and even the structures responsible for balance.
Cholesteatoma does not resolve on its own and typically requires timely surgical treatment to prevent serious complications.
Types of Cholesteatoma
Congenital Cholesteatoma
Present at birth, occurring behind an intact eardrum.
Causes of Cholesteatoma
A variety of factors may contribute to the formation and progression of this condition:
- Chronic middle ear infections (Otitis Media)
- Poor Eustachian tube function, leading to negative pressure
- A retracted or weakened eardrum
- Eardrum perforations
- Repeated ear discharge
- Previous ear surgeries or injuries
People with long-standing ear infections, hearing issues, or persistent drainage are more at risk.
Symptoms of Cholesteatoma
Symptoms often begin subtly but worsen with time:
- Persistent or foul-smelling ear discharge
- Gradual hearing loss
- Ear pressure or fullness
- Recurrent ear infections
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Dizziness or imbalance
- Pain behind or inside the ear
- Rarely, facial muscle weakness if the growth spreads
If any of these symptoms persist, immediate ENT assessment is crucial.
How ENT Specialists Diagnose Cholesteatoma
Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes.
Dr. Amit Goel performs a detailed evaluation using:
- Otoscopy or endoscopy to visualise the growth
- CT scan to assess bone erosion and extent
- Audiometry to evaluate hearing loss
- Middle ear assessment in chronic cases
Identifying the size and spread of cholesteatoma helps plan effective treatment.
When to See an ENT Specialist Immediately
You should seek medical help if you experience:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Severe pain
- Persistent discharge
- Dizziness
- Recurrent wax blockage
- History of ear surgery
These may indicate conditions beyond simple wax buildup.
Why Early Treatment Matters
If untreated, cholesteatoma can lead to:
- Permanent hearing loss
- Chronic dizziness
- Spread of infection to the brain
- Facial nerve paralysis
- Meningitis or brain abscess (rare but serious)
Timely surgical care prevents these complications and preserves hearing.
Get Expert Cholesteatoma Treatment in Dubai
If you experience persistent ear discharge, hearing loss, or chronic infections: Book your consultation with Dr. Amit Goel – ENT Specialist in Dubai. Advanced evaluation, precise diagnosis, and expert surgical care for all middle ear conditions.