Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma Services
At Spokane ENT, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment of cholesteatoma, an abnormal skin growth that occurs in the middle ear behind the eardrum. Cholesteatoma develops when skin cells from the outer ear canal migrate into the middle ear space, where they form a cyst-like structure that can grow and cause serious complications if left untreated. Our team performs comprehensive evaluation including otoscopic examination, audiometric testing, and imaging studies such as CT scans to confirm the diagnosis, assess the extent of the cholesteatoma, and identify any associated damage to the middle ear structures, including the ossicles (hearing bones) and surrounding bone.
We specialize in surgical treatment of cholesteatoma using advanced techniques including tympanomastoidectomy, which involves removing the cholesteatoma and any infected or damaged tissue from the middle ear and mastoid bone. Our surgeons utilize microsurgical techniques to carefully remove the cholesteatoma while preserving healthy structures and minimizing damage to hearing function. Depending on the extent of the disease, we may perform canal wall up or canal wall down procedures, with the goal of completely removing the cholesteatoma while maintaining or reconstructing the ear canal and middle ear anatomy. In cases where the ossicles have been damaged or destroyed by the cholesteatoma, we perform ossicular chain reconstruction using prosthetic devices to restore hearing function.
Our team provides comprehensive preoperative evaluation and counseling to help patients understand the condition, the surgical procedure, expected outcomes, and potential risks. Following surgery, we offer close postoperative monitoring and follow-up care to ensure proper healing and prevent recurrence. Cholesteatoma requires long-term follow-up because of the risk of recurrence, and we work with patients to establish a monitoring schedule that includes regular ear examinations and imaging studies when indicated. We also provide guidance on ear care, activity restrictions during recovery, and strategies to prevent complications such as infection or further hearing loss, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Cholesteatoma Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear that can develop from repeated infections or a retracted eardrum. It can cause hearing loss, drainage, and if untreated, damage to ear structures.
Treatment is surgical removal. The procedure aims to eliminate the cholesteatoma and, when possible, repair the eardrum and hearing bones. Some cases require a second surgery to restore hearing.
Yes. Left untreated, cholesteatoma can grow and damage the ear bones, inner ear, facial nerve, or spread to the brain. Early diagnosis and surgery are important to prevent complications.
Symptoms may include chronic ear drainage, hearing loss, ear pressure or pain, dizziness, or facial weakness. See an ENT if you have persistent ear problems.
Cholesteatoma can recur. Follow-up exams and sometimes imaging are used to monitor for recurrence. Your ENT will recommend a follow-up schedule after surgery.