Question 1

A child is diagnosed as having a congenital cholesteatoma. What is included in management of this condition? (Select all that apply.)&#10;A) Antibacterial treatment&#10;B) Insertion of pressure equalizing tubes (PETs)&#10;C) Irrigation of the ear canal&#10;D) Removal of debris from the ear canal&#10;E) Surgery to remove the lesion

Accepted Answer

A, D, E

Question 2

A young child has a pale, whitish discoloration behind the tympanic membrane. The provider notes no scarring on the tympanic membrane (TM) and no retraction of the pars flaccida. The parent states that the child has never had an ear infection. What do these findings most likely represent?

A) Chronic cholesteatoma
B) Congenital cholesteatoma
C) Primary acquired cholesteatoma
D) Secondary acquired cholesteatoma

B

Accepted Answer

The pale, whitish discoloration behind the tympanic membrane without scarring or retraction is a characteristic finding of congenital cholesteatoma. This is a rare, non-cancerous growth that occurs in the middle ear and typically presents with no history of ear infection. Chronic cholesteatoma (A) is typically associated with a history of repeated ear infections, while primary acquired cholesteatoma (C) and secondary acquired cholesteatoma (D) are due to trauma or chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Deck 64: Cholesteatoma