CHOLESTEATOMA Meaning and
Definition
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A cholesteatoma is a non-cancerous, abnormal growth of skin cells within the middle ear, usually developing as a cyst or a pouch. It typically results from a chronic ear infection or an acute ear infection that has not been efficiently treated. The condition can occur in both adults and children.
Cholesteatoma can be a congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developed later in life) condition. In either case, it manifests as a mass of tissue that gradually expands and starts to exert pressure on the delicate structures of the middle ear, including the eardrum and the bones responsible for transmitting sound. As it expands, the cholesteatoma can cause a range of symptoms such as hearing loss, ear pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, and recurrent ear infections.
If left untreated, a cholesteatoma can lead to serious complications, including bone erosion, infection spreading to the brain or other nearby structures, and damage to the facial nerves. Therefore, prompt medical intervention is crucial. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the cholesteatoma followed by a repair of any structural damage caused by the growth.
Regular monitoring is essential following treatment, as recurrent cholesteatomas can sometimes occur. Prevention involves proper and timely treatment of ear infections, ensuring adequate ear hygiene, and seeking medical assistance for persistent symptoms.
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A growth consisting of small, pearly nodules, usually springing from the cerebral meninges, formed of concentric layers of endothelial or epithelial cells, often surrounding a core of cholesterin crystals and fat globules.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHOLESTEATOMA
- xholesteatoma
- vholesteatoma
- fholesteatoma
- dholesteatoma
- cgolesteatoma
- cbolesteatoma
- cnolesteatoma
- cjolesteatoma
- cuolesteatoma
- cyolesteatoma
- chilesteatoma
- chklesteatoma
- chllesteatoma
- chplesteatoma
- ch0lesteatoma
- ch9lesteatoma
- chokesteatoma
- chopesteatoma
- chooesteatoma
- cholwsteatoma
Etymology of CHOLESTEATOMA
The word "cholesteatoma" is derived from two Greek roots: "chole" meaning "bile" and "steat-" meaning "fat". The word was originally used to describe a mass or tumor in the middle ear that resembled a "fatty" or "greasy" substance. However, it is important to note that cholesteatoma is not actually related to bile or fat, but rather represents an accumulation of keratinized squamous epithelium in the middle ear.
Similar spelling word for CHOLESTEATOMA
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