Question 1

can cholesteatoma be cured?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Cholesteatoma refers to a growth pushing through areas of the ear drum & mastoid bone.  Sometimes there is fatty substance inside, sometimes it's just epithelial tissue (like mucous membrane tissue).  Surgery is the treatment if the cholesteatoma is causing difficulties, such as dizziness, pain, invading bone, or is chronically infected.

Question 2

how rare is a cholesteatoma?

Accepted Answer

Pretty rare: It is a benign tumor that is not very common.

Question 3

can you die from cholesteatoma?

Accepted Answer

In rare cases: Uncommon, but possible.

Question 4

how can cholesteatoma originate?

Accepted Answer

Cystic collection: Cholesteatoma is  caused by a poorly functioning eustachian tube leads from the back of the nose to the middle of  ear, allowing air to  equalizing ear pressure. Eustachian tube may not work properly due to chronic ear or, sinus infections, colds,etc. Partial vacuum may be middle ear. This can cause a section of your eardrum to be pulled into the middle ear, creating a cyst, that grows larger.

Question 5

i've got cholesteatoma. now what?

Accepted Answer

You need surgery: Cholesteatoma is a problem that can be solved only by surgery. An ear nose and throat doctor should be able to take care of it for you. You want to see an ear nose and throat doctor who has special interest in chronic ear disease and does a lot of ear surgery.

Question 6

what are the symptoms of cholesteatoma?

Accepted Answer

Varied: The symptoms while not specific for only this condition could include hearing loss, draining ear, ear fullness, dizziness. If suspected, go see an ENT to check it out.

Question 7

diagnosed with a cholesteatoma. is that bad?

Accepted Answer

Requires treatment: A cholesteatoma is a deposit of skin cells that forms a mass in the middle ear and can erode various portions of the middle ear resulting in hearing loss and other complications. It requires surgical treatment to prevent progression.

Question 8

what causes cholesteatoma? how is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Cholesteatoma: Cholesteatoma is a small growth in the middle ear. behind the eardrum. Causes include prior infections or a torn eardrum or, rarely, kids are born with them.
If it is large or symptomatic, and ENT specialist can remove it surgically.

Question 9

any remedies for cholesteatoma i can try at home?

Accepted Answer

No: Sorry, cholesteatoma is a surgical, not a medical problem. The enzymes in cholesteatomas can erode bone and make this benign condition dangerous. You need to have it taken care of by an ENT doctor.

Question 10

how bad can it be to let a cholesteatoma go untreated?

Accepted Answer

Very Bad: Cholesteatomas produce chemicals that can erode bone. Depending on where the cholesteatoma is the bone at risk can be the bone separating the ear from the brain and potentially lead to a brain issue such as infection or brain fluid leak. You can also get erosion into the inner ear itself leading to permanent deafness and severe vertigo.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Cholesteatoma

A member asked:

Can cholesteatoma be cured?

A member asked:

How rare is a cholesteatoma?

A member asked:

Can you die from cholesteatoma?

A member asked:

How can cholesteatoma originate?

A member asked:

I've got cholesteatoma. now what?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of cholesteatoma?

A member asked:

Diagnosed with a cholesteatoma. is that bad?

A member asked:

What causes cholesteatoma? how is it treated?

A member asked:

Any remedies for cholesteatoma i can try at home?

A member asked:

How bad can it be to let a cholesteatoma go untreated?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?