परिभाषा
A cholesteatoma is a type of cyst found in the middle ear behind the eardrum. Cholesteatoma is a noncancerous tumor that forms when the skin of a punctured eardrum grows through the hole in the middle ear. If there is an ear infection, the skin will continue to grow into a cholesteatoma.
While the tumors are benign, the growths can cause damage to the ears by destroying bones in the ear and causing hearing problems. The tumors may also cause nerve damage, hearing loss, deafness, dizziness, and balance problems.
Cholesteatoma is a serious medical problem, and early treatment is crucial for the best outcome. Serious complications may occur if the tumor goes untreated, including destruction of both the middle ear structures causing hearing loss, and inner ear structures causing vertigo (feeling of spinning or whirling). Spreading of infection to the brain can lead to meningitis and brain abscess.
Cholesteatoma responds well to treatments. Patients are likely to recover fully without complications if the tumor is caught and treated early.
का कारण बनता है
Cholesteatomas are most often caused by:
- Ear infections
- जन्मजात दोष
- Poorly functioning eustachian tube
जोखिम कारक
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Chronic ear infections increase your chance of developing cholesteatoma.
लक्षण
लक्षणों में शामिल हैं:
- Discharge from the ear, sometimes foul-smelling
- Pressure in the ear
- बहरापन
- कान का दर्द
- Numbness of the ear
- चक्कर आना
- Muscle weakness in the face on the affected side
निदान
आपका डॉक्टर आपके लक्षणों और चिकित्सा इतिहास के बारे में पूछेगा, और एक शारीरिक परीक्षण करेगा।
परीक्षण शामिल हो सकते हैं निम्नलिखित:
- श्रवण परीक्षण
- Balance tests
- CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
- Electronystagmography—used to test the function of the nerves related to hearing
- Caloric stimulation—a test which diagnoses nerve damage to the ear
- X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body
उपचार
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Cleaning
Thorough cleaning of the ear is necessary to remove fluid and bacteria. Eardrops are also usually administered.
सर्जरी
Surgery may be necessary if the tumor is threatening hearing or balance.
दवाएं
Medications are necessary to dry up the fluid in the ear and include ear drops and oral antibiotics. Antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate any infection in the ear.
रोकथाम
Cholesteatomas caused by congenital defects cannot be prevented. However, proper treatment of ear infections can prevent cholesteatoma.