The structure of acquired aural cholesteatoma as revealed by scanning electron microscopy
Miodoński, A.J.; Litwin, J.A.; Składzień, J.; Zagórska-Swiezy, K.
Folia Morphologica 67(1): 1-5
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-5659 PMID: 18335406 Document Number: 620368
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 comeocytes varied from parallel ridges, irregular microplicae and mirovilli, to flat grooves and pits and a completely smooth surface. Sheet-like 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.