To whom it may concern:
I am currently doing a paper on cholesteatoma, and I can't seem to find too much information on this topic. The information I would like to get are the cause, prevalence, physiological/audiological symptoms, and treatment for such a condition.
I would appreciate some information concerning this
Sincerely,
Answer --------------------
A thorough and technical discussion of cholesteatoma may be found on the internet (World Wide Web) at the following address: http://www.bcm.tmc.edu/oto/grand/10793.html
In brief, the term cholesteatoma refers to a cyst-like tumor inside the ear composed of a matrix layer within which there is desquamating epithelium similar to skin. At the interface between the matrix and normal tissues there is enzymatic activity which results in destruction of the normal tissue and enlargement of the cholesteatoma.
There are many theories regarding the pathogenesis of cholesteatomas, however
there are 3 primary ones:
1) A cluster or rest of epithelial (skin) cells becomes trapped during
embryological development inside the ear and then grows into a cholesteatoma.
2) Chronic infection within the middle ear and mastoid results in a change in
the normal lining (mucosa) into squamous epithelium similar to skin which
then becomes a cholesteatoma - metaplasia.
3) Chronic infection or trauma results in a perforation(hole) or retraction
(pocket) in the ear drum allowing epithelium to grow inward into the middle
ear creating a cholesteatoma.
Cholesteatomas are expanding tumor-like masses that destroy the structures in the middle ear and mastoid and when untreated, can cause much more severe complications including intracranial infection. The most common adverse effects of cholesteatoma are hearing loss and chronic infection.
Cholesteatomas can only be cured by surgical removal. Often the hearing loss caused by cholesteatomas can be restored to some degree surgically.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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