Preliminary report: endoscopic versus external surgery in the management of inverting papilloma.

Since January 1977, twenty-four patients with inverting papilloma of the nose and paranasal sinuses have been treated at the University of Virginia. Two patients had bilateral disease, for a total of 26 surgically treated sides. Patients were aged from 10 to 83 years, and 71% were male. Most tumors originated on the lateral nasal wall, with 62% involving the adjacent sinuses. Nineteen sides were treated by external approach and 7 were treated intranasally. There was a total of 5 recurrences in 4 patients and no associated squamous cell carcinomas. Seven patients were treated with endoscopic excision (4 primary tumors and 3 recurrences). There have been no recurrences since endoscopic treatment. These preliminary data give further evidence that endoscopic excision is a viable surgical option for many inverting papillomas.