Visualizing inverted sinonasal papilloma through multimodal imaging

Suhit Naseri, Samarth Shukla

PAMJ. 2024; 47:128. Published 22 Mar 2024 | doi:10.11604/pamj.2024.47.128.42976

Inverted sinonasal papilloma (ISP) is a rare, benign tumor that originates from the Schneiderian membrane lining of the sinonasal tract. Although it is a benign neoplasm, ISP can recur locally and potentially progress to malignancy. Inverted sinonasal papilloma (ISP) is most commonly found in males aged 40-70 years, and accounts for about 0.5-4% of all sinonasal tumors. A 72-year-old male with right nasal obstruction underwent a CT scan, which revealed a heterogeneously enhancing soft tissue density lesion in the right nasal cavity (A). A nasal endoscopy further revealed a gray mass in the right nasal cavity with slough and mucopurulent discharge between the lateral wall and septum (B). Grossly, pink-tan-gray, soft to moderately firm polypoid growth is seen (C). Histologically, it is characterized by an endophytic growth pattern, with the tumor growing inward into the underlying stroma (D). The tumor is composed of a mixture of squamous and respiratory epithelium, often with areas of metaplasia, dysplasia, and carcinoma in situ. The stroma is fibrous, with a variable inflammatory infiltrate. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells express markers of squamous differentiation. The exact cause of ISP is not fully understood, but chronic inflammation, exposure to Human papillomavirus, and genetic alterations are thought to play a role. The treatment of ISP involves complete surgical removal, followed by close clinical and radiological follow-up to monitor for malignant transformation. In conclusion, ISP is a rare benign tumor that can potentially recur or progress to malignancy. Early diagnosis and complete surgical removal are important for the management of ISP.
Corresponding author
Suhit Naseri, Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi, Meghe, Wardha, Maharashtra, India (drsuhitnaseri@gmail.com)


The Pan African Medical Journal (ISSN: 1937-8688) is a subsidiary of the Pan African Medical Journal. The contents of this journal is intended exclusively for professionals in the medical, paramedical and public health and other health sectors.

Currently tracked by: DOAJ, AIM, Google Scholar, AJOL, EBSCO, Scopus, Embase, IC, HINARI, Global Health, PubMed Central, PubMed/Medline, ESCI

Physical address: Kenya: 3rd Floor, Park Suite Building, Parkland Road, Nairobi. PoBox 38583-00100, tel: +254 (0)20-520-4356 | Cameroon: Immeuble TechnoPark Essos, Yaounde, PoBox: 10020 Yaounde, tel: +237 (0)24-309-5880