Category Archives: Upper Airways

Papilloma

Papilloma of the Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses

Histologic subtypes

1.    Inverted (grows downwards)

2.    Oncocytic (brownish color of cells due to abundant abnormal mitochondria)

3.    Exophytic (grows outwards)

Causes:

1.    Human Papillomavirus (HPV) found in some tumours but uncertain if etiologically related

a.    HPV has not been found in oncocytic variant

2.    Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) not related

Natural history of Papilloma Tumors:

1.    Benign but locally aggressive

2.    High rate of recurrence if inadequately excised

3.    Risk of malignant transformation – can be synchronous or metachronous