A cholesteatoma in the ear may be a cholesteatoma of the external auditory canal or a cholesteatoma of the middle ear, both of which should be considered for early surgical treatment.
1. Cholesteatoma of the external auditory canal: It is a mass of shed epithelium containing cholesterol crystals obstructing the bone of the external auditory canal. Cholesteatoma without co-infection can be removed by cerumen hook, and when co-infection occurs, attention should be paid to control the infection. Total or partial removal can promote the absorption of inflammation. If the infection is serious and the removal is very difficult, surgery under general anesthesia and microscope is needed, and systemic antibiotics should be applied at the same time.
2. Middle ear cholesteatoma: This disease is a cystic structure formed by keratinized squamous epithelium in the middle ear, in the middle of which white epithelial tissue often accumulates, and it can destroy and absorb the bone of the skull base. Once the diagnosis is clearly made, it is necessary to carry out surgical treatments as soon as possible, including all types of tympanoplasty, to completely remove the cholesteatoma and other granulomatous and inflammatory lesions, to preserve and improve the auditory function, and to maintain the physiological structure and function of the external auditory canal.
When a cholesteatoma is found in the ear, it is necessary to actively consult a doctor for a systematic examination, a clear diagnosis, and standardized treatment according to the doctor’s instructions.