A patient with chronic otitis media develops a cholesteatoma. What is the underlying cause of this condition?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the underlying cause of cholesteatoma in a patient with chronic otitis media. Cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear, and the question requires knowledge of the pathophysiology of this condition to identify the most likely cause from the options provided.
Answer
Eustachian tube dysfunction, often following chronic otitis media, causes tympanic membrane retraction and cholesteatoma formation.
The underlying cause of cholesteatoma in a patient with chronic otitis media is often eustachian tube dysfunction. This dysfunction leads to pressure changes causing the eardrum to retract, forming a sac or cyst filled with dead skin cells.
Answer for screen readers
The underlying cause of cholesteatoma in a patient with chronic otitis media is often eustachian tube dysfunction. This dysfunction leads to pressure changes causing the eardrum to retract, forming a sac or cyst filled with dead skin cells.
More Information
Cholesteatomas can occur as a birth defect, but more commonly result of chronic ear infections.
Tips
It is important to differentiate between the different causes of cholesteatoma, as treatment options may vary.
Sources
- Chronic Otitis Media, Cholesteatoma and Mastoiditis - Harvard Health - health.harvard.edu
- Cholesteatoma: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
- Chronic Otitis Media and Cholesteatoma - Stanford Medicine ... - stanfordchildrens.org
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