Role of radiological corroboration in a locally aggressive inverted papilloma: a case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Sinonasal inverted papilloma is a rare benign tumor of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (PNS). Radiological evaluation is the key to management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old male presented with complaints of right nasal congestion and occasional bleeding for 4 months. During anterior rhinoscopy, a pinkish fleshy mass occupying the right nasal cavity was seen. X-ray and computed tomography (CT) PNS view showed opacification in the right nasal cavity and maxillary sinus. An MRI of the nose and PNS revealed a peculiar convoluted striated/cerebriform pattern. Histopathology report described the features of an inverted papilloma. The patient underwent endoscopic removal of the mass under general anesthesia. Surgical resection of the tumor was performed along with adjacent normal mucosal tissues. The patient recovered well and was followed-up for recurrence. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Sinonasal inverted papilloma is commonly found in males in their fifth to sixth decade of life. A CT scan is the initial modality of choice to evaluate the extent of the disease. MRI is superior to CT in distinguishing tumors from other conditions as well as to evaluate soft tissue extensions. Involvement of the frontal sinus is a risk factor for recurrence. The first option for treating an inverted papilloma is complete surgical removal with the adjacent uninvolved mucosa. CONCLUSION: In a biopsy-proven case, radiological assessments like CT and MRI play a pivotal role in studying the typical morphology, delineating the extension, and detecting recurrence.