Cholesteatoma - What is it and what are the symptoms?
Today we are putting a spotlight on cholesteatomas – an ear condition which, left untreated, can cause brain injury.
Unfortunately, cholesteatomas are often misdiagnosed, causing delays in treatment which could prevent further injury.
Here we look at the causes and symptoms to help raise awareness of the condition and the need to seek treatment early.
What is a cholesteatoma?
A cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells found in the middle ear, behind the ear drum.
The cholesteatoma may have developed before birth in the womb, or it may develop following repeated ear infections, which causes skin cells to build up by the ear drum.
Symptoms of a cholesteatoma
- A smelly discharge from the ear
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Balance problems
- A sensation of ‘fullness’ in the ear.
Delayed treatment
If a cholesteatoma is not treated, it can build up and cause damage to the inner ear. They are often infected, and this infection can spread from the ear to the skull, causing life-threatening conditions like meningitis and brain abscesses, which can lead to permanent brain damage and even death.
How can we help?
Our team have experience guiding clients through cholesteatoma cases, you can read more about this here. If you have been affected by a cholesteatoma and wish to speak to one of our medical negligence experts, please contact Linda Williams at linda.williams@geldards.co.uk