The structure of acquired aural cholesteatoma as revealed by scanning electron microscopy

A.J. Miodoński; J.A. Litwin; J. Składzień; K. Zagórska-Swieży

Vol 67, No 1 (2008)

Original article

Submitted: 2012-02-06

Published online: 2007-12-03

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The structure of acquired aural cholesteatoma as revealed by scanning electron microscopy

A.J. Miodoński, J.A. Litwin, J. Składzień, K. Zagórska-Swieży

Folia Morphol 2008;67(1):1-5.

Vol 67, No 1 (2008)

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Submitted: 2012-02-06

Published online: 2007-12-03

Abstract

The structural features of cells, their surfaces and the extracellular matrix were investigated in acquired aural cholesteatoma. Cholesteatomas surgically removed from 30 patients were examined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The predominant part of a cholesteatoma was composed of stratified squamous epithelium, showing extensive chaotic desquamation. The surface sculpture of the keratinocytes and corneocytes varied from parallel ridges, irregular microplicae and mirovilli, to flat grooves and pits and a completely smooth surface. Sheetlike lamellar structures, probably representing an intercellular lipid-forming permeability barrier, were also observed. Small crystals located in the perimatrix were observed in one case.
According to the SEM observations, cholesteatoma epithelium is characterised by abnormal and uncoordinated keratinisation, with a predominance of the advanced stages of the process. Folia Morphol 2008; 67: 8–12)