An alternative management approach to paranasal sinus fibro-osseous lesions

Abstract

Background: Fibro-osseous lesions of the paranasal sinuses are an uncommon heterogeneous group of lesions with variable clinical presentation. It is unclear whether these lesions directly cause symptoms or secondarily obstruct the sinuses with resultant rhinosinusitis. We have used an expectant management approach in selected patients that includes observation with serial scans or endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) to improve the outflow tract of the affected sinus without resection of the lesion. The purpose of this work is to review our experience with management of paranasal sinus fibro-osseous lesions.

Methods: Retrospective chart review from 1997 to 2009.

Results: A total of 44 patients were identified in this study. There were 19 (43%) osteoma and 25 (57%) fibrous dysplasia cases. The presenting symptoms were mainly sinonasal with headaches (36%), pain/pressure (19%), and nasal obstruction (17%). Two patients (4.5%) presented with proptosis and diplopia. Five (11%) patients had associated nasal polyps. The diagnosis was an incidental finding in seventeen (38%) cases. Twenty-two (50%) patients were managed conservatively with serial computed tomography (CT) scans to monitor for interval growth over a mean interval of 41.8 months (range, 13-130 months). There were 2 patients in the observation group with CT scan evidence of interval growth with an increase in size of 1 mm and 9 mm over 130 and 36 months, respectively. Twelve symptomatic patients (27%) underwent ESS without resection of the lesion, with symptomatic improvement in 11 patients (92%). Four patients (9%) underwent endoscopic biopsy to attain histological diagnosis. Six (13%) patients in this study had resection of their lesion with 5 of the patients having symptomatic improvement following resection.

Conclusion: In patients with fibro-osseous lesions, we support an expectant management approach of asymptomatic patients with observation and serial imaging, treating selected symptomatic patients with ESS and resection of the lesion in patients with orbital complications, progressive growth of the lesion, or persistent symptoms.