Chronic Skin Growth in the Ear: Causes, Signs, and Solutions
Cholesteatomas, abnormal skin growths that can develop in the middle ear, are a less common but potentially serious condition. According to recent studies, the annual incidence of cholesteatomas in adults is approximately 9-12.6 out of 100,000, while in children, it ranges from 3-15 out of 100,000.
Cholesteatomas typically do not occur at birth but are acquired over time, often as a complication of chronic otitis media. This condition can be a result of otitis media with effusion (OME) or recurrent infections. For instance, among children with adenoid hypertrophy, the prevalence of OME is approximately 30%.
Preventing acquired cholesteatomas involves properly treating ear infections, especially chronic ones. Tympanostomy tubes, small plastic tubes placed in the ear drum during surgery, can also potentially prevent the growth of a cholesteatoma.
When a cholesteatoma is detected, surgery is usually required for its removal to prevent complications. The specific operation performed depends on the location of the cholesteatoma and the amount of repair work necessary. In some cases, a second surgery may be required to completely remove the growth.
Before surgery, doctors may prescribe antibiotic therapy to treat any infections. If a cholesteatoma is small and contained, regular cleaning in a doctor's office may be sufficient treatment.
Diagnosis of a cholesteatoma typically begins with a physical exam using an otoscope. An ENT specialist may further examine the area and order tests such as a CT scan for a more detailed analysis.
After surgery, it's crucial for individuals to protect the area by keeping ears dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments. The outlook for people with a cholesteatoma is generally positive, but complications such as hearing loss and imbalance may remain if the cholesteatoma was large at the time of removal.
It's important to note that cholesteatomas can significantly impair a person's hearing and balance, as well as the function of their facial muscles. Untreated cholesteatomas can lead to complications such as permanent hearing loss, erosion of hearing bones, chronic ear infections, paralysis of facial muscles, ongoing problems with balance, meningitis, brain abscess, and can be life-threatening in the long term.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends seeing a doctor as soon as symptoms of a cholesteatoma appear. This includes persistent ear pain, discharge, hearing loss, or a feeling of fullness in the ear. Early detection and treatment can help prevent these serious complications.
Science has revealed that cholesteatomas, a less common but potentially serious medical-condition, are acquired over time often as a complication of certain ear surgeries or chronic ear infections, such as otitis media with effusion (OME). In the realm of health-and-wellness, preventing acquired cholesteatomas involves timely and proper treatment of ear infections, and medical procedures like tympanostomy tubes placement during surgery can potentially hinder growth of these abnormal skin growths that can develop in the middle ear.
