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Evidence-based review of aetiopathogenic theories of congenital and acquired cholesteatoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 August 2007

R Persaud ,
D Hajioff ,
A Trinidade ,
S Khemani ,
M N Bhattacharyya ,
N Papadimitriou ,
A Kalan  and
A K Bhattacharyya
R Persaud*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
D Hajioff
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
A Trinidade
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
S Khemani
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK
M N Bhattacharyya
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, UK
N Papadimitriou
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, UK
A Kalan
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK
A K Bhattacharyya
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Ricardo Persaud, Specialist Registrar in Otolaryngology, North Thames London, Department of Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Surgery, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow HA1 3UJ, UK. Fax: +44 208 8869 2964 E-mail: ricardopersaud@yahoo.co.uk
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Abstract

Cholesteatoma is a non-neoplastic, keratinising lesion which has two forms: congenital and acquired. Congenital cholesteatoma develops behind a normal, intact tympanic membrane, whilst acquired cholesteatoma is associated with a defect in the tympanic membrane. The pathological substrate of cholesteatoma is keratinising stratified squamous epithelium, but the origin of this epidermal tissue in the middle ear is controversial. Here, we review the most relevant and recent evidence for the principal aetiopathogenic theories of both forms of cholesteatoma, in the light of recent otopathological findings.

Congenital cholesteatoma is most plausibly explained by the persistence of fetal epidermoid formation. Conclusive ‘proof’ awaits the unambiguous demonstration of the metamorphosis of an epidermoid nidus into a lesion in vivo.

Acquired cholesteatoma may develop by various mechanisms: immigration, basal hyperplasia, retraction pocket and/or trauma (iatrogenic or non-iatrogenic). However, squamous metaplasia of the normal cuboidal epithelium of the middle ear is a highly unlikely explanation. Chronic inflammation seems to play a fundamental role in multiple aetiopathogenic mechanisms of acquired cholesteatoma. Therefore early treatment of inflammatory conditions might reduce their sequelae, perhaps by preventing the development of hyperplastic papillary protrusions.

Continued otopathological, cellular and molecular research would enhance our limited understanding of cholesteatoma and may lead to new therapeutic strategies for this erosive disease, which often defies surgical treatment.

Keywords

CholesteatomaSuppurative Otitis MediaAetiologyPathology
Type
Review Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 121 , Issue 11 , November 2007 , pp. 1013 - 1019
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2007

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