The nature of the epithelium in acquired cholesteatoma. Part 2. Cell culture.

The exact nature and role of the epithelial layer in cholesteatoma remains undetermined. The aim of this study was to investigate cholesteatoma epithelium and normal aural epithelia in common cell culture conditions. Samples of cholesteatoma, external meatal epidermis and middle ear mucosa were obtained, successfully grown in cell culture, and subcultured. No significant morphological differences were found between cholesteatoma and aural epidermis. The only differences noted were delayed onset of colony formation, and the need to subculture prior to the cultures becoming confluent in the cholesteatoma cultures. Further research is required to account for these differences in growth patterns.