Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma is an abnormal growth of skin in the middle ear behind the eardrum. It can be congenital (present from birth), but it more commonly occurs as a complication of chronic ear infections. Individuals with this condition usually experience a painless discharge from the ear. Hearing loss, dizziness, and facial muscle paralysis are rare but can result from continued cholesteatoma growth. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the growth.