cholesteatoma /kōles′tē·ətō″mə/ [Gk, chole + stear, fat, oma, tumor] , a cystic mass composed of epithelial cells and cholesterol that is found in the middle ear and occurs as a congenital defect or as a serious complication of chronic otitis media. The mass may occlude the middle ear, or enzymes produced by it may destroy the adjacent bones, including the ossicles. Surgery is required to remove a cholesteatoma. See also otitis media.
