What is cholesteatoma?
Cholesteatoma is the accumulation of skin in an abnormal location. It typically happens behind the eardrum. Cholesteatoma also occurs when there's an accumulation of air cells behind the ear, called the mastoid. If your child has cholesteatoma, she will likely experience conductive hearing loss (affecting the outer and middle ear).
In some cases, children also expel foul-smelling ear drainage. If you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Your child will be treated surgically in order to remove the abnormal cells and to re-establish hearing. Your child's team will also manage your child's long-term follow-up care, crucial for the successful management of cholesteatoma.
How we approach cholesteatoma
Our Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement provides care including diagnostic evaluation and surgical therapy for children of all ages with diseases or conditions of the head and neck, including the ears, nose, and throat.
Cholesteatoma | Programs & Services
Programs
Bone-Anchored Hearing System Program
Program
The Bone-Anchored Hearing System Program provides solutions for patients for which a traditional hearing aid is ineffective.
Center for Communication Enhancement
Program
The Center for Communication Enhancement provides expert care for children with a variety of communication differences.
Departments
Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement
Department
The Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement provides care for a wide variety of congenital and acquired conditions of the head and neck, ranging from airway obstruction and thyroglossal duct cysts to chronic ear and sinus infections.
Learn more about Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement
Centers
Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
Center
The Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is an integrated pediatric hematology and oncology program through Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital.
