Inverted papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma

Since 1960, 15 patients with histologically proven inverted papilloma of the nose and paranasal sinuses have been treated at the University Hospital, City Hospital, and V. A. Hospital in Boston. Eight of these patients have been found to have squamous cell carcinoma in the pathological specimens; four of these patients have died of carcinoma. Wide surgical excision, usually through a lateral rhinotomy with exenteration of the invaded sinus as indicated, was the therapy of choice. In spite of the published incidence of carcinoma in inverted papilloma of approximately 7-24 per cent, we have found a much higher rate. We therefore, suggest that meticulous microscopic examination of multiple sections of inverted papilloma specimens be carried out in a search for evidence of squamous cell carcinoma. Inverted papilloma should be treated as a premalignant lesion by appropriate radical surgery.