What are keratosis obturans?

What are keratosis obturans?

Keratosis obturans (KO) is the buildup of keratin in the ear canal. Keratin is a protein released by skin cells that form the hair, nails, and protective barrier on the skin.

How do you treat keratosis obturans?

The treatment previously recommended for both of these conditions has been conservative debridement of the external canal and application of topical medication. While this remains the treatment of choice for keratosis obturans, surgery may be required to eradicate EACC.

What is cholesteatoma of external ear?

A cholesteatoma is a non-neoplastic lesion of the petrous temporal bone commonly described as “skin in the wrong place.” It typically arises within the middle ear cavity, may drain externally via tympanic membrane (mural type), or may originate in the external auditory canal (EAC).

Is cholesteatoma unilateral?

Cholesteatomas of the external canal are usually unilateral and have associated symptoms of otalgia and otorrhea. On examination, there is narrowing or occlusion of the external auditory canal, abundant keratin debris, and sometimes granulation tissue.

What causes keratosis Obturans?

Keratosis obturans is a benign disease caused by layered impaction of wax within the external auditory canal. It presents with acute onset of pain and ear blockade.

Are keratosis Obturans painful?

Keratosis obturans is a benign but painful condition characterized by altered EAC epithelium migratory properties. Facial nerve palsy and erosion of vital intratemporal structures can occur as a result of pressure erosion of the bony EAC and adjacent structures.

What is cholesteatoma?

A cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells deep inside your ear. They’re rare but, if left untreated, they can damage the delicate structures inside your ear that are essential for hearing and balance. A cholesteatoma can also lead to: an ear infection – causing discharge from the ear.

What does cholesteatoma look like?

Cholesteatoma is the name given to a collection of skin cells deep in the ear that form a pearly-white greasy-looking lump deep in the ear, right up in the top of the eardrum (the tympanic membrane).