Abstract
Cholesteatomas are benign tumors that develop in the middle ear, and their rapid growth patterns can impinge on local structures, resulting in adverse sequelae such as hearing loss, pain, or neuropathies. These late signs and symptoms can be avoided by early identification and prompt intervention. Primary care providers should be aware of the incidence, prevalence, identification, and associated symptoms of cholesteatomas to reduce the later untoward affects and promote prompt referral.
FIGURE
Cholesteatomas can be serious conditions that, when diagnosed, necessitate prompt treatment. The term 'cholesteatoma' is actually a misnomer. In 1838, Johannes Muller described a pearly layer of fat within the ear that he thought was composed of cholesterol. 1 In reality, cholesteatomas are insidious benign tumors composed of well-differentiated keratinized epithelial cells in the middle ear. 1 Cholesteatomas are the third most common tumors found in the cerebellar pontine angle and must be differentiated from acoustic neuromas and meningiomas, the first and second most commonly identified tumors, and lipomas and metastatic tumors. 2