What is a common characteristic of a cholesteatoma?

A cholesteatoma is a pathological growth of skin cells in the middle ear that can result from repeated infections or eustachian tube dysfunction. One common characteristic of a cholesteatoma is its cauliflower-like appearance. This reflects the abnormal accumulation of skin cells within the ear, which can create a mass or cystic structure that is visually similar to a cauliflower.

While other symptoms associated with cholesteatomas can include hearing loss and unpleasant discharge, the hallmark of its physical manifestation is the distinctive appearance that can be observed during an otoscopic examination. This characteristic is important in differentiating cholesteatoma from other ear conditions and can guide appropriate management and treatment, which may involve surgical intervention to remove the growth and prevent further complications such as infection or damage to surrounding structures.