Keywords: cholesteatoma, pathology

Abstract: The cholesteatomas have always represented a major challenge to otolaryngologists. Many pending questions regarding their origin, evolution and treatment still lave been widely discussed The aim of this paper is to review concepts regarding the pathogenesis of the cholesteatomas. We believe that a better understanding of these concepts will improve our clinical and therapeutical approach in order to control the natural history of cholesteatomas and to better assess the stablished pathology.