Melanocyte localization and distribution in human cholesteatoma.

Introduction: Melanocytes in skin are derived from the neural crest and colonize the epidermis in the first trimester of gestation. Melanocytes have been observed in the nasopharyngeal, inner ear and oral mucosa and should therefore be present in the middle ear mucosa.

Aims: To identify and determine the distribution of melanocytes in human cholesteatoma and normal meatal skin in Caucasian adults.