Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatomas are a benign tumor that can form in the middle ear usually from infection. They can destroy the bones of hearing. They can erode the bones leading into the inner ear. The bone behind the ear is called the mastoid bone and it connects to the inner ear. In a healthy ear, it is filled with air. In the case of cholesteatoma, the mastoid bone is filled with irritated mucous membranes. This infection grows into the bone. This is a serious condition and the patient needs treatment right away. It can result in nerve loss, deafness , severe imbalance and dizziness. In extreme cases, it can lead to a brain infection. Doctors rely on CAT scans to determine how far into the ear the cholesteatoma has grown. It will also tell the doctor how much of the bones of hearing have been eroded. Antibiotics are used to clear up the infection. However, after the infection is better, surgery is required to remove the cholesteatoma completely.