Cholesteatoma in children

Cholesteatoma in children falls into two main categories: congenital and acquired. Though they present in different ways, both are potentially destructive lesions that are managed surgically. The goals of treatment are to eradicate keratinizing squamous epithelium from the temporal bone and to preserve or restore hearing. These children need to be followed closely by the pediatric otolaryngologist to prevent and control recurrent disease.