Management of inverted papilloma

This paper updates a 1981 report on the management of inverted papilloma. In that report, routine lateral rhinotomy with en bloc resection of the lateral nasal wall, including the entire schneiderian membrane, was recommended. This report emphasizes the use of computed tomography scanning in management planning. Of 33 patients with inverted papilloma treated between 1969 and 1987, 7 had associated squamous cell carcinoma. Twenty-two patients with IP alone were treated with medial maxillectomy; however, 3 patients have been successfully treated with either a Caldwell-Luc/ethmoidectomy or an external ethmoidectomy for localized disease. The use of computed tomography capable of higher resolution allowed preoperative determination of the extent of disease, enabling the surgeon to plan the surgery more precisely. Patients were followed for an average of 9.6 years. Recurrent disease occurred in one patient (4%) following a lateral rhinotomy/medial maxillectomy approach. The principles set forth in this series of patients remain the same as those previously described due to the unique characteristics of this tumor: its ability to destroy bone, its tendency to recur, and its association with malignancy. The technique of lateral rhinotomy and en bloc excision of the lateral nasal wall, followed by meticulous removal of all mucosa in the ipsilateral paranasal sinuses, remains the standard therapy.