Pediatric Cholesteatoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Pediatric cholesteatoma is a rare, nonneoplastic, congenital, or acquired, collection of keratinizing squamous epithelium in the middle ear or mastoid. As the collection of epithelium grows in the ear, it can damage the bones of the ears leading to loss of hearing, dizziness, balance problems, ear drainage, and other serious health implications such as cerebrospinal fluid leaks, infection of the central nervous system, and cranial nerve defects. Surgical intervention is required to avoid the harmful effects and prevent permanent further damage from the growing mass. This case study focuses on the presentation of a 7-year-old male who was diagnosed with a congenital cholesteatoma following a failed school hearing screening. The case emphasizes the importance of pediatric hearing screening by primary care providers.

Keywords: Cholesteatoma; hearing evaluation; hearing loss; hearing screening; pediatric cholesteatoma.