Vol 67, No 1 (2008)
Original article
Published online: 2007-12-03
The structure of acquired aural cholesteatoma as revealed by scanning electron microscopy
Folia Morphol 2008;67(1):1-5.
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)
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)
Keywords: epitheliumkeratinisationscanning electron microscopy
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