Frontal Sinus Mucopyocele Presenting as a Painful Subcutaneous Forehead Mass in a Patient with Chronic Sinusitis

R I Med J (2013). 2024 Sep 1;107(9):10-14.

Abstract

Mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses are benign, expansile lesions that develop secondary to sinus ostia obstruction. Presenting signs and symptoms vary widely but frequently include frontal headache and swelling, as well as visual changes and globe displacement depending on orbital involvement in the case of frontal sinus mucoceles. Given the potential for orbital or intracranial involvement, urgent imaging with computed tomography (CT) is important for patients with symptoms concerning for a frontal sinus mucocele. Definitive treatment is surgical. In this article, we report a case of a 50-year-old male who presented to a primary care clinic with a painful forehead mass, found to have a frontal sinus mucocele with erosion through the frontal bone that was eventually treated surgically. We also summarize presenting signs and symptoms of frontal mucoceles reported in the literature as these are important for clinicians to be familiar with, considering the potential emergent complications.

Keywords: Mucocele; Pott Puffy Tumor; endoscopic sinus surgery; frontal sinusitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Forehead*
  • Frontal Sinus* / diagnostic imaging
  • Frontal Sinus* / pathology
  • Frontal Sinusitis / complications
  • Frontal Sinusitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucocele* / complications
  • Mucocele* / diagnosis
  • Mucocele* / diagnostic imaging
  • Mucocele* / surgery
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / complications
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Paranasal Sinus Diseases / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*