Hello,
Could you please give me information regarding polyps on the eardrum.
How serious of a condition is it and how is it usually treated. The
patient is around 7 years old (my nephew) and his mom is worried
bigtime.
Any information you could send me would be greatly appreciated. Thank
you
Reply: --------------------
More information would be necessary for me to answer any questions regarding this. Polyps in the ear are somewhat unusual. If the polyp is truly on the surface of the ear drum or somewhere in the outer ear canal, and not originating inside the middle ear space, then this could represent a type of external otitis which might initially be treated with topical antibiotic-steroid ear drops with the expectation that the polyp would go away in a short period of time. If it did not resolve within a couple of weeks a CT scan and perhaps surgical biopsy would be possibly recommended. If a microscopic examination of the ear in the office has revealed the polyp to be associated with or originating inside the middle ear space behind the ear drum, this might be a manifestation of chronic mastoid disease or cholesteatoma and a CT scan would be recommended early on and surgical therapy may be ultimately necessary. In either case, hearing testing is also advisable as part of the evaluation.
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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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