Cholesteatoma
Specialized care for a serious middle ear condition.
A cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth that develops behind the eardrum or in the middle ear. While it is not cancer, it can become serious if left untreated because it may damage the hearing bones, eardrum, or surrounding ear structures over time.
At Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists, we diagnose and treat cholesteatoma with careful evaluation and advanced ear expertise. Because this condition can be complex and may require surgery, patients benefit from a team that understands both the medical and surgical sides of ear care.
If you’ve had ongoing ear drainage, repeated infections, hearing loss, or a history of eardrum problems, schedule an appointment today. We’ll help you understand what’s going on and what can be done to protect your hearing and ear health.
Common Symptoms
Cholesteatoma symptoms can develop gradually and may be mistaken for recurring ear infections. You may experience:
- Ongoing or repeated ear drainage
- Foul-smelling fluid from the ear
- Hearing loss in one ear
- Ear pressure or fullness
- Recurring middle ear infections
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or balance problems in more advanced cases
- A history of eardrum retraction, perforation, or ear surgery
How We Diagnose
Cholesteatoma is diagnosed through a detailed ear exam and, when needed, advanced testing. Diagnosis may include:
- Otoscopy or microscopic ear exam to look closely at the eardrum and middle ear
- Hearing testing to measure how the condition is affecting your hearing
- Tympanometry to evaluate middle ear pressure and eardrum movement
- Ear cleaning to improve visibility and examine the affected area
- CT imaging to understand the size and extent of the cholesteatoma
- Review of your history of infections, drainage, surgeries, or eardrum problems
We’ll take time to explain what we see and whether the cholesteatoma appears limited or more advanced.
Treatment Options
Cholesteatoma usually requires surgical treatment because the growth can continue to expand and damage nearby structures. Depending on your condition, we may recommend:
- Ear cleaning and medication to manage infection or drainage before surgery
- Tympanoplasty to repair the eardrum
- Mastoid surgery to remove cholesteatoma from the middle ear or mastoid bone
- Ossicular chain reconstruction if the hearing bones have been damaged
- Follow-up exams and imaging to monitor for recurrence
- Hearing support after treatment if hearing loss remains
- Coordinated care through the Ear & Hearing Institute for complex surgical cases
The goal of treatment is to remove the cholesteatoma, create a safe and healthy ear, and preserve or improve hearing whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A cholesteatoma is not cancer, but it can still be destructive. If it continues to grow, it may damage the eardrum, hearing bones, or surrounding structures.
It can develop after repeated ear infections, chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, eardrum retraction, or an eardrum perforation. Some people are born with a cholesteatoma, though that is less common.
In most cases, yes. Medication may help control infection or drainage, but it does not remove the cholesteatoma itself.
Yes. It can damage the small bones of hearing or interfere with normal middle ear function, leading to conductive hearing loss.
It can recur, which is why follow-up care is important. We’ll monitor your ear over time and recommend additional treatment if needed.
Protect Your Hearing and Ear Health
If you’ve been told you may have a cholesteatoma, or you’re dealing with chronic ear drainage or hearing loss, Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists can help. Schedule an appointment today and let’s find the right path forward.