Which statement correctly compares paediatric with adult acquired cholesteatoma?

• A Paediatric cholesteatoma grows more slowly because of thicker paediatric bone
• B Recurrence rates are identical, but adults present earlier with complications
• C Paediatric cholesteatoma tends to grow more rapidly and recurs more often after surgery ✓
• D Adults require canal wall down surgery exclusively, while children always need canal wall up procedures

Explanation

Cholesteatoma in children behaves more aggressively: well-pneumatized paediatric temporal bones offer more pathways for extension, matrix proliferation is faster, and published recurrence and residual rates after surgery are consistently higher in children than in adults, justifying closer follow-up and a lower threshold for second-look or DWI MRI surveillance. Surgical choice remains individualized in both age groups rather than dictated by age alone.

Reference: Scott-Brown's Essential Otorhinolaryngology, 3rd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.