Purpose: Surgical excision is generally regarded as the treatment of choice for inverted papilloma. However, the approach and extent of surgery has been subject of much debate. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of endoscopic sinus surgery in the treatment of paranasal sinus inverted papilloma.
Patients and methods: Thirteen cases of inverted papilloma of the paranasal sinuses treated via endoscopic sinus surgery were evaluated. The follow-up averaged from 9 months to 48 months with a mean of 27 months.
Results: A close follow-up of all patients was maintained. Seventy-seven per cent (10/13) of the patients had no recurrence after the initial endoscopic procedure. Three patients had recurrences of their tumor within 11 months after surgery, which means a rate of 23% (3/13). In 2 patients, the recurrences were treated endoscopically. In one patient, recurrence and malignant transformation (squamous cell carcinoma) developed after 36 months, which means that the associated carcinoma rate was 7% (1/13). This patient underwent radical maxillectomy and postoperative radiotherapy. None of the patients died of inverted papilloma.
Conclusion: Endoscopic sinus surgery is a viable treatment alternative for paranasal sinus inverted papilloma in selected cases. This approach should be performed by experienced surgeons and a close follow-up is mandatory. When the disease is more extensive, it should be approached by radical surgery, e.g. en-bloc excision by medial maxillectomy via lateral rhinotomy or mid-facial degloving.