Ethmoidal sinus osteoma--a primary cause of nasolacrimal obstruction and dacryocystorhinostomy failure.

An osteoma is a slow growing, bony tumor which forms in the sinuses of the skull. Presenting complaints include headaches, cerebral symptoms, or visual disturbances, depending upon the location of the tumor. This paper describes an unusual case of ethmoid sinus osteoma, with epiphora as the primary symptom; it also caused the failure of a previous dacryocystorhinostomy. This case illustrates the need for thorough evaluation of epiphora, including sinus x-rays.