Supratentorial and cervical extensions of a giant middle ear cholesteatoma.

Cholesteatomas are slowly progressive and well demarcated lesions but if not treated, they can spread to the inner ear and brain and lead to serious neurological complications. A 59-year old male was referred to our practice. His initial imaging showed that a huge intracranial mass has spread to the neck. Beyond surgical exploration, a sizable temporal bone lesion with extensive keratinisation was observed which later on histopathological exam turned out to be a cholesteatoma. Cholesteatomas may be aggressive lesions by rapidly growing and gross destructive features. In such cases, more attempts should be given to ruling out any malignant neoplastic tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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