Cholesteatoma is located in which part of the ear?

Cholesteatoma is located in which part of the ear?

• A. External ear canal
• B. Middle ear
• C. Inner ear
• D. Eustachian tube

Answer: (B)

Cholesteatoma is a keratinizing squamous epithelium–filled lesion that develops in the middle ear, typically arising from a chronic otitis media with a retraction pocket in the pars flaccida or a perforation that traps keratin debris. The middle ear lies behind the tympanic membrane and houses the ossicles; a cholesteatoma here can expand and erode these bones and surrounding walls, often extending into the mastoid. This location explains the common conductive hearing loss and potential complications, and it is distinct from lesions of the inner ear or the Eustachian tube.

Cholesteatoma is a keratinizing squamous epithelium–filled lesion that develops in the middle ear, typically arising from a chronic otitis media with a retraction pocket in the pars flaccida or a perforation that traps keratin debris. The middle ear lies behind the tympanic membrane and houses the ossicles; a cholesteatoma here can expand and erode these bones and surrounding walls, often extending into the mastoid. This location explains the common conductive hearing loss and potential complications, and it is distinct from lesions of the inner ear or the Eustachian tube.