Pearl tumor

Pearl tumor is a synonym for the term cholesteatoma.

Cholesteatoma is a benign tumor that consists of an accumulation of keratin (the protein that makes up the stratum corneum of the skin). This tumor is pearly white in color, hence its name “pearly.”

Cholesteatoma most often occurs in the middle ear, where it destroys the auditory ossicles. This leads to hearing loss. Cholesteatoma can also affect the inner ear, meninges, respiratory and digestive organs.

Treatment for cholesteatoma involves surgical removal of the tumor. If the middle ear is damaged, tympanoplasty may be required - restoration of the auditory ossicles to improve hearing.

Thus, the pearly tumor is a proliferation of keratin, which can lead to dysfunction of the affected organs. Timely treatment helps prevent complications and maintain the patient’s health.