Inverted Papilloma and Squamous Carcinoma: An Unusual Case

Abstract

THE LITERATURE on papillomas of the nose and paranasal sinuses is replete with numerous clinical and histologic terms such as epithelial papilloma, diffuse or soft papilloma, and papillary sinusitis; yet, illustrations of the lesions to which these terms are applied show an identical histologic pattern. The term inverted papilloma has been more popular in recent years and would appear to be an accurate and more specific term for such lesions. The local aggressiveness of some inverted papillomas has created problems in assessing the malignant potential of these lesions. As a result, the concept of frequent malignant "transformation" of inverted papilloma has been perpetuated. We have seen a patient with typical inverted papilloma who subsequently had a histologically proven squamous carcinoma of nose and ipsilateral maxillary sinus. This case is presented with a critical review of the literature with respect to the relationship of these two distinct histologic lesions. Definition of