A Case Report of Aggressive Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps Mimicking Sinonasal Malignancy

Cases of extensive nasal polyps rarely occur and may mimic more aggressive lesions of the nose and paranasal sinuses. A case of extensive nasal polyposis with unusually aggressive behavior and its management is presented.

A 27-year-old male patient visited the emergency department of a tertiary center, complaining of recurrent episodes of epistaxis. The patient presented with a large polypoid lesion protruding from the right nostril and producing asymmetry of the face. Diagnostic imaging illustrated a lesion of the right maxillary sinus producing excessive bone remodeling and extension into neighboring structures in every direction. Fine limits were noted, however, with no invasive characteristics. Biopsy under local anesthesia was performed, showing findings consistent with nonspecific inflammation. Open surgery through a lateral rhinotomy under general anesthesia was performed, and the mass was readily mobilized and removed. No macroscopic invasion of neighboring structures was noted. Permanent histology confirmed the diagnosis of nasal polyposis. Postoperative follow-up has shown no evidence of recurrence after 12 months.

Nasal polyps do not typically expand in an aggressive manner, producing bone resorption or extending into neighboring structures. However, nasal polyposis should be included in the differential diagnosis of nasal tumors with such behavior.