How is cholesteatoma diagnosed?

The diagnosis in the early stage of the disease is based on a detailed ear exam including visualization of the cholesteatoma by an otoscope (magnifying glass) or a microscope. Hearing tests (audiograms) and CT scans are the supporting tests that define the degree of impairment and the extent of the disease.

The below images illustrate a small and large cholesteatoma, with increasing degrees of complexity and damage to the temporal bone of the skull:

Figure 1: small cholesteatoma (arrow)

Figure 2: large cholesteatoma (CH) with a fistula (arrow) in the lateral semicircular canal