AN IN-VITRO GROWTH STUDY ON CHOLESTEATOMA AND NORMAL SKIN

The ability of cholesteatoma to grow rapidly within the ear is well re cognized. This study aimed to quantify the in vitro growth of choleste atoma derived cells. Following removal of cholesteatoma explant cultur es were established. Cellular outgrowths were subcultured and a colony forming assay performed. Cells were repeatedly passaged every 14 days until senescence was observed. In comparison with cells derived from normal scalp skin, cholesteatoma derived cells demonstrated a lower co lony forming efficiency in both primary and secondary subcultures, ach ieved fewer passages and cell generations in serial culture, and achie ved a lower total population expansion. No evidence was found to sugge st an intrinsic loss of growth control. It is proposed that the majori ty of cholesteatoma is composed of cells with a limited capacity for g rowth. Explant studies suggested that these may be the progeny of more highly proliferative cells situated at the neck of the cholesteatoma sac.