Real-time PCR using primers designed against message for PI3, SPRR1B, LCN2 (lipocalin 2), MMP1, MMP9, MMP10, MMP12, SPP1, GJB2, Bcl-xl (BCL2L1), cIAP2 (BIRC3), S100A7A (koebnerisin), S100A9, SERPINB3, CEACAM6, KRT6B and SERPINB4 revealed significantly higher expression levels in cholesteatoma in comparison to auditory canal skin. Here, BCL2L1 is linked to cholesteatoma.