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Paranasal sinus osteomas and Gardner's syndrome
Alan A Z Alexander1, Alpen A Patel, Rick Odland
1Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|October 12, 2007
Summary
Paranasal sinus osteomas may indicate Gardner's syndrome, a genetic disorder increasing colon cancer risk. Early detection through screening is crucial for patients with these benign tumors.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Osteomas are common benign tumors of the paranasal sinuses with uncertain origins.
- While often asymptomatic, osteomas can cause headaches, facial pain, rhinorrhea, and sinusitis.
Observation:
- Osteomas are a key feature of Gardner's syndrome, an autosomal dominant condition.
- Gardner's syndrome involves intestinal polyposis and an almost 100% risk of colon cancer.
- Osteomas typically appear 17 years before intestinal polyps in Gardner's syndrome patients.
Findings:
- A case series of three patients with maxillary or ethmoid osteomas and chronic sinusitis is presented.
- One patient exhibited evidence of Gardner's syndrome, confirmed by gastrointestinal symptoms and family history.
Implications:
- Otolaryngologists must consider Gardner's syndrome in patients presenting with paranasal sinus osteomas.
- Suspected cases require comprehensive workup for Gardner's syndrome, including lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, barium enema, and DNA testing.
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