Benign lesions of the frontal sinus

Benign tumors of the frontal sinus including fibro-osseous lesions and inverted papillomata present unique problems for the rhinologist. Because of the bony cavity surrounding the frontal sinus and relatively small portal into the nose, conventional techniques including the osteoplastic flap, frontal trephination, and lynch procedure have provided useful approaches to these tumors. The advent of endoscopic techniques in the management of chronic inflammatory disease of the paranasal and, specifically, frontal sinuses, has led to these traditional techniques being augmented successfully, and, in some cases, surpassed by newer endoscopic techniques. This article reviews the diagnosis and management of the two most common types of benign tumors of the frontal sinus, bony tumors and inverted papillomata, with emphasis on the usefulness of the endoscope in managing such lesions.