Published online Nov 28, 2014. doi: 10.5319/wjo.v4.i4.23
Revised: August 19, 2014
Accepted: September 16, 2014
Published online: November 28, 2014
Processing time: 151 Days and 23.3 Hours
Cholesteatoma describes the keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium in the middle ear and mastoid, which has osteoclastic activity and is capable of bone resorption. Its origin is unknown and remains a topic of current investigation. In addition, ongoing studies are investigating new molecules for treatment. This review summarizes the various experimental models of cholesteatoma.
Core tip: Cholesteatoma is the keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium in the middle ear and mastoid, which has osteoclastic activity and is capable of bone resorption. The mechanism of formation remains unknown, though different theories involving various models of formation have been proposed. This review summarizes the various experimental models of cholesteatoma.