Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma is a condition in which skin debris accumulates in the middle ear. It generally causes ear discharge and hearing loss but may be related to other more serious complications. Treatment is usually with surgery to remove the skin pocket and repair the ear drum in an operation known as a mastoidectomy. Sometimes the small bones (malleus, incus and stapes) which carry sound through the middle ear may be damaged by the disease and may also need repairing.