Cholesteatoma histological study

ABSTRACT

The study included 30 patients with middle ear cholesteatoma; the specimens were obtained from patients undergoing ear surgery for cholesteatoma. The examination also included seven samples of normal external auditory canal skin, five samples of the middle ear mucosa adjacent to cholesteatoma. The specimens were processed for both light and transmission electron microscopy. Flattening of the cells and morphological characteristics resemble that of the external canal skin was found. The mucosa adjacent to the cholesteatoma was found diseased with impaired mucociliary function. The ultrastructural arrangement of the basement membrane is like that of skin. The study showed the role of retraction pockets in cholesteatoma development. Because of the inflammatory reaction in the mucosa adjacent to cholesteatoma, thorough irrigation during surgery and antimicrobial therapy after surgery are warranted