Temporal bone cholesteatoma: The full picture

Abstract

As a result of more than 30 of experience studying cholesteatoma, this chapter proposes to discuss all aspects related to this disease in a contemporary view but without leaving aside the historical aspects. We begin with the definitions, classifications, and histological aspects, thus defining cholesteatoma from the basic science to the principles guiding clinical and surgical management. Histopathology, biology, and animal models proposed for the study of cholesteatoma will also be analyzed. From the concepts of etiopathogenesis, we will also address the theories for the formation of cholesteatoma and the growth patterns. From the clinical point of view, we also describe the routine evaluation in the office (otoendoscopy, audiology, and radiology) and the surgical principles since the surgical technique will be covered in specific chapters in this book.