How does cholesteatoma form?
There are several theories on how a cholesteatoma forms. Most evidence indicates that improper function of the Eustachian tube contributes to the formation of a cholesteatoma. If the Eustachian tube does not open often enough to equalize the pressures in the middle ear, negative pressure will develop behind the ear drum. This causes the drum to become retracted, forming a pocket. As the pocket deepens, it becomes trapped in the ear as a skin cyst or sac. Like skin tissue anywhere in the body, dead skin cells slough off. This also occurs in the cholesteatoma sac. As more dead skin cells slough off, the sac gradually expands and a cholesteatoma develops. In other cases, skin grows around the margin of a perforation onto the middle ear. How is cholesteatoma related to ear infections? Patients who develop a cholesteatoma commonly have had previous problems with middle ear fluid and/or infections. However, it may be years before the cholesteatoma forms. It is also important to understand th
