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.

• A full feeling or pressure in the ear
• Hearing loss
• Dizziness
• Pain
• Numbness or muscle weakness on one side of the face

• A blood clot in certain veins within the skull, including the sigmoid sinus
• A collection of infected material between the outer covering of brain and skull (epidural abscess)
• Inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)

Cholesteatomas usually continue to grow if not removed. Surgery is typically successful, but occasional ear cleaning by a healthcare provider may be necessary. Additional surgery may be needed if the cholesteatoma comes back.

In rare cases, complications may arise. These include:

• A collection of pus and other material in the brain (brain abscess)
• Hearing loss in one ear
• Dizziness (vertigo)
• A breakdown of the facial nerves leading to facial paralysis
• Meningitis
• Persistent ear drainage
• Spread of the cyst into the brain