A cholesteatoma (say “kuh-LESS-tee-uh-TOH-muh”) is a growth (cyst) inside your ear. The most common cause is a problem with the eustachian tube. Once the growth starts, it can keep growing and cause ear infections. You may feel pain and pressure in or near your ear. You also may have bad-smelling fluid that drains from your ear. You may lose hearing in that ear. Hearing may come back after the growth is removed.
Your doctor may do tests to find out the size and shape of the growth. Your doctor may clean your ear and prescribe antibiotics if you have an infection. In most cases, people have surgery to remove the growth. After surgery, you will need follow-up care to be sure the growth and infections don't come back.
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