Epiphora as a sign of unexpected underlying squamous cell carcinoma within sinonasal inverted papilloma

Abstract

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (SIP) is a benign tumor which originates from the sinonasal Schneiderian mucosa and accounts for 0.5% to 4% of all nasal and sinus neoplasm [1]. Pathologically, SIP epithelium inverts into submucosal stroma, which is different from other types of nasal papilloma. Unlike other benign tumors, SIP exhibits remarkable aggressive behaviors, including invasiveness, recurrence and malignant transformation [2]. Therefore, SIP can spread into the paranasal sinus, orbit, and cranial base, which can lead to poor prognosis for SIP patients [2]. Secondary squamous cell carcinoma is malignancy formation within the SIP. It is considered primary if there is no additional mucosal condition or secondary if it occurs in conjunction with an additional condition, which is estimated to occur in about 9% of cases [3]. The authors report the case of a 66-year-old woman with SIP and secondary SCC of the right nasal cavity. This study was adherent with the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki.