A 6-year-old child with a history of recurrent otitis media presents with a white mass behind an intact tympanic membrane in the pars flaccida region. Audiometry shows conductive hearing loss. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A Cholesterol granuloma
- B Acquired cholesteatoma ✓
- C Congenital cholesteatoma
- D Glomus tympanicum
Correct answer: B. Acquired cholesteatoma
Explanation
Acquired cholesteatoma in children typically presents as a retraction pocket in the pars flaccida with keratin debris, often associated with recurrent otitis media and eustachian tube dysfunction. Congenital cholesteatoma presents as a white mass behind an intact TM without prior otitis media history. Acquired cholesteatoma requires surgical excision (tympanomastoidectomy).
Reference: Scott-Brown's Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.