Immunohistochemical investigations on external auditory canal cholesteatomas.

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the biological behavior of external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC). The expression and distribution of relevant markers such as transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR), and the proliferation marker MIB 1 were studied in comparison with normal auditory meatal skin.

Background: EACC are uncommon and knowledge concerning etiology and pathogenesis is limited.