Inflammatory pseudotumour of the nasal cavity and sinuses

The term inflammatory pseudotumour encompasses a very diverse group of conditions, with different sites, whose only common feature is the absence of a specific histological diagnosis. The histopathological and aetiopathogenic data have been derived from experience in the thoracic, orbital and abdominal forms, which are much more frequent than disease affecting the nasal cavities and sinuses. However, there is no evidence that these data are applicable to sino-nasal pseudotumour. We present a case of inflammatory pseudotumour of the nasal cavity and a review of the literature (19 cases in 30 years) with respect to the clinical and radiological findings, the natural history and the specific management of disease at these sites. Surgery seems to be the best option for this localization. Corticosteroids and radiotherapy may be of value in cases of residual tumour after the histological confirmation of the diagnosis and the exclusion of neoplasia.