Epithelial papillomas of the nasal cavity and sinuses.

Abstract

Epithelial papillomas or polyps of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses have been recognized since the first mention by Billroth1of a neoplastic growth arranged in a papillary form having an epithelial covering over soft connective tissue. A review of the literature concerning these growths shows confusion as to etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment and is reflected in the variety of names and descriptive terms applied to the lesions, such as epithelial polyps, epithelial papillomas, diffuse or soft nasal papillomas, papilloma durum, and papillary sinusitis. Epithelial nasal papillomas are uncommon, and although pathologists and clinicians alike have been aware that these growths with their recurrent and malignant potentials are to be distinguished from ordinary nasal polyps, recent references in the literature have been rather sketchy. It is therefore the purpose of this paper to present 10 cases along with a brief discussion of these potentially dangerous lesions. Methods and Material