Congenital Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma present in the middle ear from birth

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Last updated: June 9, 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 Congenital Cholesteatoma?

Congenital cholesteatoma is a keratinized squamous epithelial accumulation in the middle ear in patients with no prior history of ear infection or tympanic membrane perforation. It is thought to develop from epidermal remnants that migrated into the middle ear during embryologic development. In children, it appears as a white mass behind the eardrum and presents with conductive hearing loss. Treatment is surgical, and early diagnosis is important for prognosis.

Symptoms

Unilateral conductive hearing loss

White mass appearance behind the eardrum

Aural fullness

Balance disturbance in late stages

Facial nerve paralysis in advanced disease

Risk Factors

Congenital middle ear anomalies

Family history

Coexisting cleft lip-palate

Down syndrome

When to See a Doctor?

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

If unilateral hearing loss is detected in a child
If a white lesion is seen behind the eardrum on otoscopy
If facial paralysis develops

Treatment Methods

Surgical excision (tympanomastoidectomy)

Ossiculoplasty (ossicular reconstruction)

Regular postoperative CT/MRI follow-up

Recurrence screening (second-look surgery or imaging)

Hearing rehabilitation

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

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book Appointment Contact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz)

Eustachian tube dysfunction is a failure of the tube that equalises middle-ear pressure, causing ear fullness, pain, and hearing loss. Allergic rhinitis, upper respiratory infections, and adenoid hypertrophy are common triggers, and chronic cases may require balloon dilation or ventilation tubes.

Labyrinthitis

KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz)

Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the inner-ear structures responsible for hearing and balance, presenting with sudden vertigo, nausea, and sensorineural hearing loss. Viral labyrinthitis is the commonest form; bacterial labyrinthitis complicates otitis media and is more severe.

Ozena (Atrophic Rhinitis)

KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz)

Ozena is a disease characterized by chronic atrophy of the nasal mucosa and turbinates, leading to foul-smelling crusting.

Choanal Atresia

KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz)

Choanal atresia is a congenital anomaly in which the posterior part of the nasal passage is blocked by bone or membranous tissue. It can cause respiratory difficulties in newborns.

Auricular Perichondritis

KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz)

Auricular perichondritis is the inflammation of the cartilage and surrounding tissue of the ear due to infection. In severe cases, it can lead to permanent deformity.

Vocal Cord Cyst

KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz)

Vocal cord cysts are benign cystic lesions developing on the vocal cords that impair voice quality. They cause persistent hoarseness and diphonia (double-toned voice).

Earwax Impaction (Cerumen Impaction)

KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz)

Cerumen impaction is the accumulation of earwax in the external auditory canal causing ear fullness, conductive hearing loss, and sometimes pain or tinnitus. Professional removal with softening drops, irrigation, or microsuction resolves symptoms safely.

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz)

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is the difficulty of food passage from the mouth and pharynx into the esophagus. It can be caused by neurological diseases, muscle disorders, and structural anomalies.

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.