Cholesteatoma of the paranasal sinuses: case report & review of the literature.

Cholesteatoma of the paranasal sinuses is uncommon but makes interesting the differential diagnosis of unilateral sinus masses. When present, it is most often located in the frontal sinus; less commonly in the ethmoids and maxillary sinuses. Its presence elicits a spectrum of symptomatology differing among the varying locations of occurrence. Ultimately, complications of untreated sinus cholesteatoma can lead to severe disfigurement, carcinomatous degeneration or death. A review of this century's English literature revealed only twenty reported cases of cholesteatoma of any paranasal sinus. The distinguishing features of these cases are presented along with our personal experience with a cholesteatoma of the maxillary sinus. Treatment recommendations to avoid long-term complications are the total excision of the cholesteatoma with adequate drainage and sinusotomy for post-operative follow-up. CAT scanning plays an important role in diagnosis and follow-up.