The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

ENT Cholesteatoma

Keratinizing squamous epithelium in the middle ear or mastoid — surgical emergency for hearing and brain

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

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 ENT Cholesteatoma?

Cholesteatoma forms when keratinizing squamous epithelium becomes trapped in a mucosal cavity (retraction pocket, perforation, congenital epidermoid), accumulating desquamated debris and producing osteoclast-driven bone erosion via the perimatrix.

Pars flaccida (attic) cholesteatoma is most common, eroding the scutum and ossicles, while pars tensa cholesteatoma extends into the sinus tympani and facial recess.

Complications include conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, facial nerve palsy, labyrinthine fistula, lateral sinus thrombosis and intracranial abscess; non-echoplanar diffusion-weighted MRI is the modality of choice for residual or recurrent disease.

Symptoms

Painless, foul-smelling chronic ear discharge
Progressive conductive hearing loss
Tinnitus and aural fullness
Vertigo or imbalance with fistula
Facial weakness in advanced disease

Risk Factors

Recurrent or chronic otitis media
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies
Prior tympanic membrane perforation or surgery
Family history of cholesteatoma

When to See a Doctor?

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

  • Persistent ear discharge despite antibiotic drops
  • New hearing loss with retraction pocket on otoscopy
  • Vertigo, facial weakness or severe headache
  • Otorrhea with debris or granulation tissue
  • Children with congenital white middle-ear mass

Treatment Methods

01
Microscopic examination and aural toilet
02
High-resolution temporal bone CT for surgical planning
03
Non-EPI diffusion-weighted MRI for residual disease
04
Canal-wall-up or canal-wall-down tympanomastoidectomy
05
Ossiculoplasty during second-look or staged surgery
06
Long-term audiologic and imaging follow-up

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 AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

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

Cholesteatoma

KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz)

Cholesteatoma is a slowly growing, locally destructive lesion of the middle ear and mastoid composed of keratinising squamous epithelium that may damage ossicles, mastoid bone and inner ear structures.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

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.