Carcinoma ex oncocytic Schneiderian (cylindrical cell) papilloma

This study reviews the clinicopathologic features of carcinoma presenting in oncocytic Schneiderian papilloma (OSP; cylindrical cell papilloma), a rare histologically distinctive papilloma sharing features with inverted papilloma.

Nine cases of carcinoma ex OSP (1970-1990), six from the files of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (Washington, DC) and three from the surgical pathology files, Presbyterian-University Hospital and Eye and Ear Institute (Pittsburgh, PA), were studied. One case was previously reported. Clinical data were obtained from the patients' medical records. All available histologic slides were reviewed.

The patients (eight men, one woman) ranged in age from 48 to 83 years (mean age, 74 years). The carcinoma and OSP were synchronous in eight patients. In one case, the carcinoma occurred 8 years after OSP was diagnosed on biopsy. The presenting manifestations included nasal obstruction, "polyps," epistaxis, and proptosis. Radiographically, a sinonasal mass was present, often with extension to adjacent sites and bone destruction. Most patients received postoperative irradiation. Of six patients with follow-up, four died of carcinoma and two were alive without disease at 1.5 and 7 years, respectively. The types of carcinoma were: squamous cell (n = 6), high-grade mucoepidermoid (n = 2), and sinonasal undifferentiated (n = 1). Histologic transition was observed between carcinoma and dysplastic/benign OSP in eight cases.

Demonstration of histologic continuity between carcinoma and dysplastic OSP epithelium in eight of our nine cases indicates origin of carcinoma from the OSP, rather than a coincidence of the two neoplasms. Although histologically benign, OSP should be totally excised at diagnosis because of a potential for malignant transformation. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.