Inverting Papilloma

Inverting Papilloma - About

Papillomas are wart-like growths that can arise inside the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses and destroy healthy tissue. They usually have a bumpy surface. Papillomas are not cancer, but in approximately 5% of patients a squamous cell cancer will start in a papilloma (squamous cell cancer is a common form of skin cancer of the middle and outer layer of the skin). Because of the risk of cancer, papillomas in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are removed by surgery.

Inverting Papilloma (also known as Inverted Papilloma). This is a type of papilloma that is officially classified as a benign (harmless) tumor, but it tends to act more like a cancer. It has a tendency to recur (come back) and can grow into surrounding tissues. The treatment of inverting papilloma often includes the same type of surgery that is used for cancer.

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Inverting Papilloma - Diagnosis

Symptoms of inverted papillomas may include: Runny nose, nasal obstruction, sinus infections, headaches, facial pain, nose bleeds). Most inverted papillomas can be found during a physical examination of the nasal cavity. Examination with an endoscope is necessary and a small piece of tissue will be removed for biopsy. Medical imaging will typically be recommended (A CT scan or MRI)

Inverting Papilloma - Treatment

Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for inverted papillomas. Because of the high recurrence rate early, aggressive surgery to remove the papilloma usually is recommended.

Minimally invasive surgery and removal

Inverted papillomas of the sinuses, nasal cavity, and skull base may be approached directly using the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA). This state-of-the-art, minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to access the tumor through the natural corridor of the nose, without making an open incision. Surgeons then remove the inverted papilloma through the nose and nasal cavities. EEA offers the benefits of no incisions to heal, no disfigurement, and a faster recovery time. Endoscopic approaches such as EEA have good success rates in preventing recurrence and better cosmetic outcomes than traditional open surgical approaches.

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