Cholesteatoma is a non-neoplastic, keratinizing lesion, characterized by the proliferation of epithelium with aberrant micro-architecture into the middle ear or mastoid cavity. The exact pathogenic molecular mechanisms behind the formation and propagation of cholesteatoma remain unclear. Without timely detection and intervention, cholesteatomas can become dangerous and result in numerous intracranial and extracranial complications. In this review, the current researches about inflammatory mediators, enzymatic activity, growth factors, oxidative stress,infection and genetics in acquired cholesteatoma pathogenesis are discussed.
Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear ; pathology ; Ear, Middle ; pathology ; Humans ; Mastoid ; pathology

Ear/pathology* ; Ear Diseases/therapy* ; Ear, Middle ; Humans

Adenoma ; Adult ; Ear Neoplasms ; Ear, Middle ; pathology ; Female ; Humans

Adenoma ; Adult ; Ear Neoplasms ; Ear, Middle ; pathology ; Humans ; Male

Adult ; Ear Neoplasms ; Ear, External ; pathology ; Ear, Middle ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin

Child ; Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Ear, Middle ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Otitis Media with Effusion ; diagnosis ; pathology

Ear Neoplasms ; Ear, Middle ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Mastoid ; pathology ; Melanoma ; Middle Aged

Aged ; Ear Neoplasms ; pathology ; Ear, Middle ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Papilloma ; pathology

Aged ; Ear Neoplasms ; pathology ; Ear, Middle ; pathology ; Female ; Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid ; pathology ; Humans

Adult ; Carcinoid Tumor ; pathology ; Ear Neoplasms ; pathology ; Ear, Middle ; pathology ; Female ; Humans