Intratympanic membrane cholesteatoma: A rare bilateral presentation within a single-institution case series

Intratympanic membrane cholesteatoma is the accumulation of keratinaceous debris within the tympanic membrane. In the absence of trauma or previous surgery, this finding is extremely rare. We review our series of intratympanic membrane cholesteatomas. Of the 182 charts reviewed, seven were identified that had intratympanic cholesteatoma with no antecedent trauma or surgery. Mean age was 38.6 months. Six patients had left-sided lesions, and one patient had bilateral lesions. One patient had mild conductive hearing loss. Management was surgical in all cases, with follow-up to ensure complete removal and lack of recurrence.