zaro

What is an Ear Pearl?

Published in Ear Condition 2 mins read

An "ear pearl" is a descriptive term commonly used to refer to a cholesteatoma, which is a non-cancerous, abnormal skin growth that develops behind the eardrum. It gets its name because the accumulation of dead skin cells can form a lump or cyst that resembles a pearl in appearance.

Understanding Cholesteatoma: The "Ear Pearl"

A cholesteatoma is more than just a simple growth; it's a condition where skin cells from the outer ear canal grow inward, through a hole or retraction in the eardrum, and collect in the middle ear space. Over time, these dead skin cells can form a progressively larger mass or cyst. Because it is a collection of shed skin cells, it expands gradually, potentially eroding the surrounding bone and structures within the ear.

How Do Ear Pearls (Cholesteatomas) Form?

The formation of a cholesteatoma, or "ear pearl," typically involves the abnormal gathering of dead skin cells in the middle ear. This can happen for a few key reasons:

  • Congenital: In some cases, individuals are born with a cholesteatoma, meaning the skin cells were trapped behind the eardrum during development.
  • Retracted Eardrum: This is one of the most common causes. If the eardrum is significantly retracted (pulled inward), often due to prolonged negative pressure in the middle ear, it can create a pocket or sac. Dead skin cells that naturally shed from the eardrum can then accumulate in this pocket, forming the pearl-like growth.
  • Ruptured Eardrum: A perforation or tear in the eardrum can also allow skin cells from the outer ear canal to migrate into the middle ear space, where they can gather and form a cholesteatoma.

It's important to understand that while it's called an "ear pearl" due to its look, it's a medical condition that can lead to various ear problems if left untreated. For more in-depth information on this condition, you can refer to reputable health sources.