Updates and Knowledge Gaps in Cholesteatoma Research

Abstract

The existence of acquired cholesteatoma has been recognized for more than three centuries; however, the nature of the disorder has yet to be determined. Without timely detection and intervention, cholesteatomas can become dangerously large and invade intratemporal structures, resulting in numerous intra- and extracranial complications. Due to its aggressive growth, invasive nature, and the potentially fatal consequences of intracranial complications, acquired cholesteatoma remains a cause of morbidity and death for those who lack access to advanced medical care. Currently, no viable nonsurgical therapies are available. Developing an effective management strategy for this disorder will require a comprehensive understanding of past progress and recent advances. This paper presents a brief review of background issues related to acquired middle ear cholesteatoma and deals with practical considerations regarding the history and etymology of the disorder. We also consider issues related to the classification, epidemiology, histopathology, clinical presentation, and complications of acquired cholesteatoma and examine current diagnosis and management strategies in detail.

Pathogenesis and Bone Resorption in Acquired Cholesteatoma: Current Knowledge and Future Prospectives

“…Nevertheless, it is still the most popular term until now. Other terms were given, including margaritoma, by Craigie in 1891, epidermal cholesteatoma by Cushing in 1922, epidermoid by Critchley and Ferguson in 1928, and keratoma by Shuknecht in 1974 [2-5]. The annual incidence of cholesteatoma is greatly variable being dependent on plenty of factors including environmental, socioeconomic, ethnic, genetic, anatomical, and physiological ones [6].…”

An Incidental Case of Auto-atticotomy

“…There is a slight male predominance of 1.4:1, and a higher incidence of middle ear cholesteatomata occurring in patients younger than 50 years of age [11].…”

“…Congenital cholesteatomata, being specific to children have an incidence of 0.12 per 100,000 children [16,17], while acquired cholesteatomata which affects both children and adults is further subdivided into primary (80% of all middle ear cholesteatomata), and secondary cholesteatomata (18% of all middle ear cholesteatomata). On the other hand, the middle ear cholesteatomata are more commonly classified based on their location (Table 1) [11].…”

Tympanostomy Tube Placement for Otitis Media with Effusion in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate

“…Grommet insertion has been reported to be an iatrogenic cause of secondary acquired cholesteatoma [81][82][83][84][85][86]. The development of the disease is quite uncommon, with a reported rate of approximately 1% in non-CLP children with VTI [73,87].…”