The ceruminous glands in chronic suppurative otitis media. A histological and histochemical study.

The ceruminous glands have been studied histologically and histochemically in twenty patients suffering from chronic suppurative otitis media with discharging ears, and in ten patients with dry central perforations, in comparison with normal ears. The present study revealed hyperactivity of the glands initially; later on, atrophy and fibrosis took place. Thus the diminution of wax may be due to: (1) The washing effect of the discharge. (2) Atrophy of the glandular structures. (3) Periglandular fibrosis. As the discharge stops, regeneration of the glands occurs.