Cholesteatoma : a guide for primary care clinicians

The diagnosis and management of cholesteatoma often initiate in the primary care setting. Given the potential for severe complications such as hearing loss and intracranial spread, a thorough head and neck examination is pivotal for early detection. This comprehensive table serves as a guide for primary care providers, emphasizing the aspects most pertinent to a primary care setting. It outlines the epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms, clinical examination findings, differential diagnoses, and current treatment modalities for cholesteatoma.

The physical examination section focuses on the meticulous evaluation of the head and neck, particularly the ears. Effective otoscopic examination is a critical skill for primary care providers, demanding patience and practice. The positioning of children for otoscopic evaluation often requires creative approaches, such as seating them on their parent's laps. Given that cholesteatomas are primarily a visible diagnosis, mastering the otoscopic examination is crucial for effective management and appropriate referral.

The table aims to be a quick yet thorough resource, facilitating primary care providers in the early identification and referral of this condition.