Density of goblet cells in chronic secretory otitis media: findings in a biopsy material.

In 30 ears from 24 children with chronic secretory otitis the density of goblet cells and of glands was determined on biopsies from the anterior part of the promontory. The goblet-cell and gland density proved to be highly increased in all cases, with marked individual variations. The median density of goblet cells was 142 cells/field, corresponding to 8,000 cells/mm-2. This substantiates the fact that in chronic secretory otitis the mucous secretion is a product of goblet cells and mucous glands and confirms the secretory pathogenesis of the disease.