What condition is described as progressively enlarging benign tumors in the middle ear?

Cholesteatomas are characterized by progressively enlarging benign tumors that typically occur in the middle ear. They arise from the accumulation of skin cells and other debris that form a cyst-like structure, which can grow and expand over time. This growth can lead to various complications, including damage to the surrounding structures, infection, and potential hearing loss due to their location and size. Unlike other conditions, cholesteatomas specifically involve the formation of this pathological tissue in the middle ear, differentiating them from conditions such as otosclerosis, which involves bone remodeling, and otitis media, which pertains to inflammation rather than tumor growth. Cholesteatomas can often go unnoticed in their early stages, making awareness and recognition crucial for timely intervention and management.