Pott Puffy Tumor

Excerpt

Pott puffy tumor (PPT) describes a forehead edema resulting from osteomyelitis of the frontal bone with associated subperiosteal abscess. First described by Sir Percival Pott in 1768, a surgeon in London. Initially the word tumor represented one of the four components of inflammation described by Aulus Cornelius Celsus; rubor (redness), tumor (swelling), calor (warmth), and dolor (pain). The tumor in this case refers to the observable swelling of the forehead, rather than to any neoplasia.

When originally described, it was thought to be caused by a complication from direct trauma to the forehead. It is now known that it most frequently occurs as a complication of frontal sinusitis, most commonly seen in young adolescents. It is characterized by a circumscribed, tender swelling at the forehead presenting with other associated signs and symptoms including fever, headache, nasal discharge, or increased intracranial pressure. Early diagnosis and treatment of this condition are crucial for optimal outcomes.