Chalky white tympanic membrane is seen in-
Correct Answer: Tympanosclerosis
Description: Keratosis Obturans (Primary canal cholesteatoma)
It is accumulation of a large plug of desquamated keratin in the external auditory meatus
Seen between 5 and 20 yrs of age (i.e. younger age as compared to cholesteatoma which is seen in middle age)
May be U/L or Bilateral (occasionally)
It may be associated with bronchiectasis and chronic sinusitis.
Clinical Features
Pain in the ear (severe olalgia)
Hearing loss (of conductive type)
Tinnitus
Ear discharge – sometimes
O/E
Pearly white mass of keratin is visible in the ear canal
Tympanic membrane is thickened and chalky white in appearance
Ear canal is ballooned
Treatment
Removal by syringing / Instrumentation
Periodic checkup should be done to see reaccumulation
If it recurs – keratolytic agent – 2% salicylic acid in alcohol can be tried.
NOTE:
The answer to this question should have been ‘desquamated epithelium’ only but since it is not given in options – we are choosing the next best option.
Category:
ENT
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now