Cholesteatoma, in its simplest definition, is skin in the wrong
place. Skin is a normal part of the ear canal and the outside
part of the ear drum (tympanic membrane). When this skin grows
behind the ear drum or it grows into the bone behind the ear
(mastoid bone), it is called a cholesteatoma. This skin grows at
a much faster rate than regular skin and destroys the structures
around it. The treatment of a cholesteatoma is its removal by
surgery. Close follow-up is necessary to monitor for recurrence.
You may reference the Anatomy of the Ear page for better
understanding of the anatomy. Cholesteatomas most commonly
present with hearing loss and drainage from the ear. In advanced
stages, facial paralysis or dizziness (vertigo) can be a
presenting sign. There are 3 causes of cholesteatoma that
develops due to a retraction in the ear drum. When ear present
for a long time, the ear drum can slowly get retracted
(suctioned into the middle ear). Over time, the skin from the
outside grows into the space behind the e