Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

H60.4 – Cholesteatoma of the External Ear

H60.4 is the ICD-10 code for cholesteatoma of the external ear – a rare accumulation of squamous epithelium in the outer ear canal that can lead to bone erosion.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "H60.4"

H60.4 is the ICD-10 code for cholesteatoma of the external ear – a rare accumulation of squamous epithelium in the outer ear canal that can lead to bone erosion.

What is H60.4 – Cholesteatoma of the External Ear?

The ICD-10 code H60.4 refers to cholesteatoma of the external ear, a rare but clinically significant condition affecting the outer ear canal. It involves an abnormal accumulation of keratinizing squamous epithelium (skin tissue) that grows into the bony ear canal and, through enzymatic activity, can cause progressive local bone erosion. Unlike the more common middle ear cholesteatoma, this form is primarily confined to the external auditory canal.

Causes

The exact causes of external ear cholesteatoma are not always clearly established. The following factors are discussed:

Chronic irritation or inflammation of the ear canal (e.g., recurrent otitis externa)
Trauma or injury to the ear canal, such as from foreign objects or improper ear cleaning
Congenital or acquired disorders of skin migration within the ear canal
Periostitis (inflammation of the bone lining) as a contributing factor

Symptoms

Cholesteatoma of the external ear may present with the following symptoms:

Ear pain (otalgia), often deep and persistent
Ear discharge (otorrhea), which may have an unpleasant odor
Sensation of pressure or fullness in the ear
Hearing loss due to blockage of the ear canal
In advanced cases: dizziness or neurological symptoms if spread to adjacent structures occurs

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist using:

Otoscopy: direct visualization of the ear canal with an otoscope; whitish, keratin-filled masses are typically visible
Microscopy of the ear canal for detailed assessment of the extent of the lesion
Computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone to evaluate bone erosion and extent of spread
Histological examination after biopsy to confirm the diagnosis

Treatment

Treatment of external ear cholesteatoma is generally surgical:

Surgical removal: complete excision of the cholesteatoma is the treatment of choice to prevent recurrence and further bone destruction
Canal wall reconstruction: in cases of extensive bone erosion, plastic reconstruction of the ear canal may be necessary
Antibiotic therapy: for accompanying bacterial infection, pre- or postoperatively
Regular follow-up: long-term ENT monitoring is essential for early detection of recurrence

Prognosis

When detected early and completely removed surgically, the prognosis is generally favorable. However, there is a risk of recurrence, so regular follow-up examinations are recommended. If left untreated, cholesteatoma can lead to serious complications such as hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, or intracranial infections.

References

World Health Organization (WHO): ICD-10 – International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision. Chapter VIII: Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process (H60–H95). WHO, Geneva.
Fisch U, May J, Linder T: Tympanoplasty, Mastoidectomy and Stapes Surgery. 2nd ed. Thieme, Stuttgart 2008.
Holt JJ: Ear canal cholesteatoma. Laryngoscope. 1992;102(6):608–613. PubMed PMID: 1602252.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.