If you have been diagnosed with cholesteatoma of the tympanum in your left ear, it is important to understand what exactly this condition is and what it entails. Cholesteatoma is an abnormal growth of skin cells that occurs within the middle ear, in the area behind the eardrum. It often presents as a cyst-like mass that can cause a variety of symptoms.
Cholesteatoma can cause a range of symptoms, including:
There are several potential causes of cholesteatoma in the ear, including:
A diagnosis of cholesteatoma is typically made by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. The doctor will examine your ear with an otoscope and may also order additional imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to better visualize the middle ear.
If left untreated, cholesteatoma can cause serious complications, such as:
While cholesteatoma cannot always be prevented, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition. These include: