Ear cholesteatomas can be dangerous and should never be ignored. Bone erosion can cause the infection to spread into the surrounding areas, including the inner ear and brain. If untreated, deafness, brain abscess, meningitis, and rarely death can occur. An examination by an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon can confirm the presence of a cholesteatoma. Initial treatment may consist of a careful cleaning of the ear, antibiotics, and ear drops.
Therapy aims to stop drainage in the ear by controlling the infection.
The extent or growth characteristics of a cholesteatoma must also be evaluated. Large or complicated cholesteatomas usually require surgical treatment to protect the patient from serious complications. These tests are performed to determine the hearing level remaining in the ear and the extent of destruction the cholesteatoma has caused. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia in most cases. The primary purpose of the surgery is to remove the cholesteatoma and infection and achieve an infection-free, dry ear.