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World J Otorhinolaryngol. Nov 28, 2014; 4(4): 23-27
Published online Nov 28, 2014. doi: 10.5319/wjo.v4.i4.23
Experimental models of cholesteatoma: A review
Onur Ismi, Murat Unal
Onur Ismi, Murat Unal, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Mersin, 33343-Çiftlikköy, Mersin, Turkey
Author contributions: Both authors contributed to conception, design, data collection, analysis and drafting of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Murat Unal, MD, Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Mersin, 33343-Çiftlikköy, Yenişehir-Mersin, Turkey. munal@mersin.edu.tr
Telephone: +90-324-2410000 Fax: +90-324-2410000
Received: July 17, 2014
Revised: August 19, 2014
Accepted: September 16, 2014
Published online: November 28, 2014
Abstract

Cholesteatoma describes the keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium in the middle ear and mastoid, which has osteoclastic activity and is capable of bone resorption. Its origin is unknown and remains a topic of current investigation. In addition, ongoing studies are investigating new molecules for treatment. This review summarizes the various experimental models of cholesteatoma.

Keywords: Animal, Cholesteatoma, Chronic otitis media, Experimental, Murine

Core tip: Cholesteatoma is the keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium in the middle ear and mastoid, which has osteoclastic activity and is capable of bone resorption. The mechanism of formation remains unknown, though different theories involving various models of formation have been proposed. This review summarizes the various experimental models of cholesteatoma.