[Advance research on the pathogenesis of middle ear cholesteatoma]

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.