Frontal sinus cholesteatoma: a masquerading diagnosis. Issue 11 (19th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kurien, Regi; Thomas, Leah; Varghese, Lalee; Nair, Bijesh Ravindran
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 12:Issue 11(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11-19
• Subjects: otolaryngology / ENT -- radiology; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-231495
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Cholesteatoma of the paranasal sinus is a very rare condition. As in the tympanomastoid region where cholesteatomas are a common entity, the paranasal sinus cholesteatomas also tend to erode the surrounding bony structures. Because of the extensive bony erosion, this condition often masquerades as a chronic granulomatous or a malignant lesion. Clinical presentation can be quite varied like facial deformities, visual and neurological deficits. Radiological findings are also non-specific making a preoperative diagnosis challenging. Histopathological examination is the only confirmatory investigation. We present a patient with frontal cholesteatoma who presented with forehead swelling of 1 month duration. Since the diagnosis could be obtained only intraoperatively, the patient required multiple surgeries. Frontal sinus cholesteatomas often require a combined endoscopic and external approach to ensure complete disease clearance. Periodic follow-up is essential to rule out recurrence.