Cholesteatoma

Abnormal accumulation of squamous epithelium and keratin in the middle ear.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Last updated: June 11, 2026

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Cholesteatoma?

Cholesteatoma is an abnormal cyst-like growth of keratinising squamous epithelium developing in the middle ear and mastoid air cells. It expands progressively and erodes the ossicles, mastoid bone and adjacent structures, leading to conductive or mixed hearing loss.

Acquired cholesteatomas typically follow chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction and tympanic membrane retraction; congenital cholesteatomas occur behind an intact drum without prior infection.

Otomicroscopy, CT temporal bone and audiometry are used for diagnosis; surgical removal (canal wall up or canal wall down mastoidectomy) is the cornerstone of treatment.

Symptoms

Chronic foul-smelling otorrhoea

Progressive hearing loss (conductive or mixed)

Pressure or fullness in the ear

Tinnitus

Vertigo (with labyrinthine fistula)

Facial nerve weakness (advanced cases)

Headache and intracranial complications (rare)

Risk Factors

Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction

Recurrent otitis media

Tympanic membrane retraction pocket

Cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies

Previous ear surgery

Chronic upper respiratory tract disease

Allergic rhinitis and adenoid hypertrophy

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

Persistent foul-smelling ear discharge
Progressive hearing loss
Tinnitus or vertigo
Facial weakness or severe headache (urgent)

Treatment Methods

Surgical removal (mastoidectomy)

Canal wall up or canal wall down techniques

Ossicular reconstruction (ossiculoplasty)

Tympanoplasty

Postoperative ear cleaning and topical antibiotic drops

Long-term audiological follow-up

Recurrence surveillance and second-look surgery when needed

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.