Antrochoanal Polyp Originating from Inferior Turbinate

Abstract

Objective: Present a case of an unusual presentation of an antral choanal polyp that originates from the left inferior turbinate and does not extend into the maxillary sinus. Literature review shows only 3 prior cases where an antrochoanal polyp originated from the inferior turbinate. Method: This is a case presentation of an 81-year-old woman who presented with a left sided nasal mass. Her workup included CT scan and MRI of the sinuses. The nasal mass was removed endoscopically and was sent for review by our pathologists. Results: In this elderly female, physical examination showed a dark nasal mass filling the entire nasal cavity. CT and MRI showed a left-sided nasal soft tissue mass with lateral displacement of the medial wall of the left maxillary antrum. The preoperative diagnosis included inverted papilloma, benign nasal polyp, and squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was taken to the operating room where it was found that the mass originated from inferior turbinate and spanned its entire length. It was removed from this attachment and delivered nasally using endoscopic sinus instruments. Surprisingly, pathology revealed antrochoanal polyp. Conclusion: Classically, an antrochoanal polyp originates within the maxillary antrum. We present this case to illustrate that the antrochoanal polyp can originate from the inferior turbinate and should be considered in a patient with a unilateral nasal mass distinct from the maxillary sinus.