Cholesteatoma

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Tympanic membrane

Surgery is needed to remove the cyst.

Cholesteatomas usually continue to grow if not removed. Surgery usually works, but you may need the ear cleaned every once in a way. Additional surgery may be needed if the cholesteatoma recurs.

• Deafness in one ear
• Dizziness (vertigo)
• Persistent ear drainage
• Erosion into the facial nerve (causing facial paralysis )
• Spread of the cyst into the brain
• Labyrinthitis
• Meningitis
• Brain abscess

Call your health care provider if ear pain, drainage from the ear, or other symptoms occur or worsen, or if hearing loss occurs.

Review Date: 08/03/2006
Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center atBrooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.