A review of maxillary sinus cholesterol granuloma

Cholesterol granuloma in sites other than the ear may present to many different specialties. Diagnosis is rarely suspected pre-operatively, and depends on the finding of a characteristic histological picture. It is generally considered that malaeration with haemorrhage into a cavity which is normally aerated is the primary event in the development of this condition. Nine cases of cholesterol granuloma affecting the maxillary sinus are described, together with the radiological appearances in some cases. The main differential diagnosis in these cases were mucoceles of the maxillary antrum, cysts arising within the sinus, or cysts of dental origin, and in those cases showing expansion or erosion of the maxillary sinus, malignant disease. The results of treatment are discussed.