What is one characteristic of cholesteatomas?

Cholesteatomas are indeed characterized as benign growths that can obstruct hearing. This occurs because a cholesteatoma typically forms in the middle ear and can lead to the accumulation of skin cells and other debris. Over time, this mass can expand, resulting in a significant blockage of the ear canal or the middle ear structures. Unlike cancerous tumors, cholesteatomas are considered non-malignant, but their presence can cause various complications, including hearing loss due to their interference with the normal function of the auditory system.

In contrast to other choices, cholesteatomas are not typically described as highly vascularized, nor are they directly associated with abnormal ossicle growth, although they can affect the ossicles over time. Additionally, while they can occur after tympanic membrane trauma, this is not a defining characteristic of cholesteatomas, as they can also develop due to other factors, such as Eustachian tube dysfunction or chronic ear infections. Thus, identifying cholesteatomas primarily as benign growths contributing to hearing obstruction aligns with their recognized medical profile.