Early diagnosis and complete excision of congenital cholesteatoma in a 4-year-old boy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION

Congenital cholesteatoma is a rare, benign lesion characterized by the presence of keratinizing squamous epithelium in the middle ear without a history of infection, tympanic membrane perforation, or prior ear surgery. It often remains asymptomatic until it causes hearing loss or is incidentally detected during an otologic examination.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 4-year-old boy who presented to the ENT clinic with suspected hearing impairment. Otoscopic examination showed a pearly white mass behind an intact right tympanic membrane. High-resolution CT demonstrated a non-invasive lesion confined to the epitympanum with no evidence of ossicular disruption or bony erosion. Tympanometry was normal (Type A). The cholesteatoma was completely excised via a transcanal endoscopic approach. The tympanic membrane healed without complication, and follow-up over two years showed no recurrence.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION: This case illustrates the importance of early diagnosis in congenital cholesteatoma, which if left untreated, can cause significant complications. Surgical management should be tailored to the disease extent and patient-specific factors. Although endoscopic ear surgery provides superior visualization of middle ear structures, its application must consider anatomical constraints and the surgeon's technical proficiency.

CONCLUSION

Timely recognition and individualized management of congenital cholesteatoma can prevent long-term morbidity and optimize outcomes, particularly in pediatric patients.