The Management of the Paranasal Sinus Osteomas

J Craniofac Surg. 2017 May;28(3):741-745. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000003397.

Abstract

Objective: Osteoma is the most common benign tumor of the paranasal sinuses. The clinical characteristics and treatment of this disease remain controversial. The aim of this study is to determine the appropriate method of treatment approach according to the features of osteomas.

Methods: Forty-one patients with paranasal sinus osteomas were included in the study. According to the location and the size of tumors, patients were followed up or operated. Surgical treatment was performed via external, endoscopic, or combined approaches for symptomatic patients. Routine physical and radiological evaluations were performed for follow-up in asymptomatic patients.

Results: Paranasal sinus osteomas were found most common in frontal sinus (n = 26, 63.4%) followed by ethmoid sinus (n = 10, 24.3%), maxillary sinus (n = 4, 9.7%), and sphenoid sinus (n = 1, 2.4%). Of the patients with frontal sinus osteomas, the endoscopic approach was performed in 11 patients, external approach (osteoplastic flap) in 9, and combined (external + endoscopic) approach in 5 patients. Endoscopic approach was preferred in all patients with ethmoid osteoma. The combination of Caldwell-Luc procedure and endoscopic approach was performed in 1 patient with maxillary sinus osteoma. In 3 patients, who underwent osteoplastic flap technique, mucocele developed in the postoperative period. Partial loss of vision developed postoperatively in 1 patient with a giant ethmoid osteoma. There were no other complications and recurrence in an average of 29 months follow-up.

Conclusion: Paranasal sinus osteomas are rare, slow-growing benign lesions, with potentially serious complications. Main treatment option for sphenoid and ethmoid sinus and other symptomatic osteomas are surgical resection. Radiographic follow-up is necessary for asymptomatic lesions. Selection of surgical resection method depends on tumor location and size. Patients should be observed for recurrence with periodic examination and imaging techniques. Follow-up should be performed at least in 1-year intervals after the surgery.

Level of evidence: 1c.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Endoscopy / methods*
  • Ethmoid Sinus*
  • Female
  • Frontal Sinus*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maxillary Sinus*
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoma / diagnosis
  • Osteoma / surgery*
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Postoperative Period
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult