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Mr Michel Neeff - Otolaryngologist @ ENT Associates

Private Service, ENT/ Head & Neck Surgery, Paediatrics

Cholesteatoma

A cholesteatoma is a non-cancerous but abnormal growth of skin cells in the middle ear or mastoid bone. It can occur as a result of repeated ear infections, trauma, or congenital abnormalities.

The cholesteatoma grows slowly and can cause damage to the surrounding structures, leading to hearing loss, dizziness, and facial weakness or paralysis. It may cause chronic ear discharge or foul-smelling discharge from the ear.

Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the cholesteatoma, which can be a complex procedure. Without treatment, a cholesteatoma can cause serious complications, including hearing loss, infection, and meningitis.

This page was last updated at 11:36AM on March 13, 2023.