Hörselgångscholesteatom

Hörselgångscholesteatom, also known as cholesteatoma, is a condition characterized by the presence of keratinizing squamous epithelium within the middle ear. It is a rare condition that typically affects adults, with a slight male preponderance. Cholesteatoma can occur in various locations within the middle ear, including the tympanic cavity, the attic, and the mastoid. The exact cause of cholesteatoma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be associated with chronic otitis media, which is a common condition involving inflammation and infection of the middle ear.

Cholesteatoma can present with a variety of symptoms, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. In some cases, it may cause facial nerve palsy, which can result in facial weakness or paralysis. The diagnosis of cholesteatoma is typically made through a combination of clinical examination, imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and sometimes middle ear function tests.

Treatment options for cholesteatoma depend on the size, location, and extent of the lesion, as well as the presence of associated complications. Conservative management may involve medical therapy, such as antibiotics or corticosteroids, to control inflammation and infection. Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases where the cholesteatoma is large, causing significant hearing loss or facial nerve palsy, or when it is located in the mastoid, which can lead to complications such as meningitis or brain abscess. Surgical approaches may include simple mastoidectomy, middle ear exploration and drainage, or more extensive procedures such as atticotomy or facial nerve decompression.