[Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of external auditory canal cholesteatoma（2026）]

Objective:External auditory canal cholesteatoma（EACC） is a common otological disease. Failure to provide timely and standardized treatment often leads to persistent inflammatory reactions and localized bone destruction, with potential involvement of adjacent structures such as the middle ear. To advance the standardization of EACC diagnosis and treatment, the Editorial Board of the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in collaboration with the Otology Group of the Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, developed this expert consensus. The consensus systematically elaborates on the definition, classification, etiology, clinical manifestations, and imaging evaluation strategies for EACC. It proposes a clinical staging system based on the extent of lesion involvement and clarifies the principles of treatment, which include complete lesion removal, repair or reconstruction of the external auditory canal structure, restoration of patency and drainage, and recovery of its self-cleaning function. In addition, a staged treatment approach-ranging from outpatient debridement to individualized surgery-is recommended. The goal of this consensus is to offer practical guidance for the standardized diagnosis, staging, and treatment of EACC.