Inverted papilloma. Considerations in treatment.

Inverted papilloma is notorious for recurrence and occasional association with malignancy, leading most authors to recommend lateral rhinotomy as the initial surgical approach in all cases; however, conservative surgery has been reported effective in selected cases. To assess the role of conservative procedures, 90 cases of inverted papilloma were retrospectively reviewed. Associated malignancy was rare. Conservative surgery was successful in controlling some cases, but often required two or three operations. All patients with clear sinus films were cured by a single procedure. Abnormal mitotic activity was seen in some aggressive lesions and some associated with malignancy. The surgical exposure in inverted papilloma should be adequate to ensure complete excision. Selected patients with localized disease can be satisfactorily managed by conservative procedures if they are carefully followed. All tissue should be inspected for possible malignancy.