Inverted papilloma of the nose and paranasal sinuses

Background: There has been some difficulty distinguishing inverted papilloma (IP) of the nose and paranasal sinuses from other nasal tumors. Confusion exists because IP are uncommon tumors, mimic nasal polyps and nasal malignant growths and also vary in growth from transformation into malignancy. Method: Histologies of a series of inverted papilloma of the nose and paranasal sinuses within a period of 12 years (1985 - 1997), were evaluated. Cases were analysed using the following morphological criteria: clinical finding, localization, bony changes, duration of growth, recurrences and pathologic sections. Results: There were 22 patients, aged between 35 and 80 year (N = 22; 11 Males, 11 females), with histologically proven inverted papilloma Treatment options were simple excision, polypectomy, Lateral Rhinotomy, Caldwell-luc and Hemimaxillectomy. Recurrence was a common feature. Conclusion: Radical aggressive surgery with a close follow up is advocated to avoid recurrence or possible transformation into malignancy.