Q&A about Cholesteatoma with Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Breen

I have had 3 surgeries for cholesteatoma. The first in 1984 in my right ear. 2 small hearing bones, the eardrum and the disease were removed. 6 months later the surgeon grafted a prosthesis. The prosthesis had to be replaced 4 times. Then in 2008 after an unsuccessful stapedectomy in my left ear by a new surgeon, a third surgeon went in and removed the cholesteatoma which had spread to the skull and my entire middle ear canal in 2010. I was left deaf in my left ear. In 2012 I had surgery to place a titanium rod behind my left ear and began using a Ponto hearing device. In 2021 a cholesteatoma was found in my right ear again. I had a surgery to remove it.
I have relocated to Phoenix near one of my children. I am a patient at Mayo now. I have regular checkups. How do I prevent cholesteatomas from growing again? I dread having more ear surgery. I’ve had 10 so far.

I had 2 surgeries for removal of cholesteamomas in both my ears with reconstruction of inner ear with implants in both ears within 2 years. I know have severe dysgeusia however a scan was done and nerves were not severed . Blood tests were done and every possible reason was addressed but the cause has it been determined. I am 76 years old and have obviously had the growths for many years prior to their discovery. Is it at all possible that the cholesteatoma growths caused this condition over time? Would appreciate your thoughts on this . Thank you in advance

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