​Inverted Papilloma

Diagnosing Inverted Papillomas

Most inverted papillomas can be found during a physical examination of the nasal and sinus cavities. They have a reddish-grey appearance and may bleed when touched.

The septum may be bowed by the mass of the inverted papilloma. Facial swelling and proptosis (bulging of the eyes) may accompany lesions that have expanded considerably.

Symptoms of inverted papillomas

During the physical exam, your doctor will ask about any symptoms you are having.

Symptoms of inverted papilloma may include:

• Nasal obstruction, usually one-sided
• Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
• Epistaxis (nosebleed)
• Sinusitis
• Facial pain
• Loss of sense of smell
• Frontal headache

Imaging and radiology testing to diagnose inverted papillomas

Imaging studies reveal the extent to which the inverted papillomas have spread and the degree of bone destruction. An MRI is preferred because it allows inverted papillomas to be better distinguished from other types of lesions.

Biopsy is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis.

Inverted Papilloma Treatment

Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for inverted papillomas. Because of the high recurrence rate (40 to 80 percent), 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.