Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Cholesteatoma


Overview

A cholesteatoma is a cyst in the middle ear. In some cases, this cyst occurs when the eardrum is ruptured. This allows skin debris to enter the middle ear and form a cyst.

Symptoms

The cyst can become infected and damage bones in the middle ear, affecting hearing.

Treatments

Treatment involves antibiotic drops. Surgery is often needed.