Stage I

Cholesteatoma that does not extend beyond the tympanic cavity

Stage II

Cholesteatoma that extends to the attic or the protympanum beyond the tympanic cavity

Stage III

Any cholesteatoma causing at least one of the following complications 1. Facial palsy 2. Intracranial complications 3. Labyrinthine fistulae 4. Large defect of bony external ear canal 5. Profound sensorineural hearing loss 6. Total adhesion of the ear drum 7. Extension to the petrous apex