Inverted papilloma of the sphenoid sinus: presentation of three cases.
BACKGROUND
Inverted papilloma deriving originally from the sphenoid sinus is extremely rare. Three such cases are presented aiming to show the particularities and diagnostic clues of this clinical entity.


METHODS
All three patients were male, and presented mainly with nasal symptoms. In all three cases imaging shows the sphenoid sinus was completely occupied by the tumor. Additionally the ethmoids and nasal cavities have been invaded in contiguity to the site of the initial appearance of the tumor. In particular one of the cases was of even more interest as a malignant transformation of the inverted papilloma of the sphenoid sinus was histologically observed. Endoscopic sinus surgery was the therapeutic approach chosen for all three cases, with very good results. Follow up 30 months after the operation has not revealed any signs of recurrence of the disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Inverted papilloma of the sphenoid sinuses--and even more malignant transformation--although quite rare, may present occasionally. The ENT surgeon should be aware of this condition. Preoperative imaging with CT scan and MRI and the experience of the surgeon will dictate the appropriate surgical approach.
Yiotakis
Ioannis
I
University of Athens Medical School, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hippocrateion Hospital, Athens, Greece. jyiot@otenet.gr
Gkoritsa
Eleni
E
Manolopoulos
Leonidas
L
Kandiloros
Dimitrios
D
Korres
Stavros
S
Ferekidis
Eleftherios
E
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018308:Papilloma, Inverted / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010255:Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013101:Sphenoid Sinus