Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we present our diagnosis and treatment approach for paranasal sinus mucocele.

METHODS: Between January 2010 and September 2018, a total of 11 patients (5 males, 6 females; mean age 54.0±15.3 years; range, 29 to 79 years) who were diagnosed with paranasal sinus mucoceles and treated surgically were included in the study. Demographic characteristics of the patients, complaints on admission, physical examination findings, radiological findings and surgical technique and results were evaluated.

RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 22.9±8.4 months. The most frequent complaints were about eye (n=3) and face (n=4) findings. Two patients had eye complaints accompanied by face complaints. Two patients had headache. One of the patients who had headache was diagnosed with a Potts’ puffy tumor at the time of admission. One patient had an inverted papilloma together with mucocele. Fistula and purulent secretion flowing from the lateral eyebrow were seen in one patient who had orbital displacement. Seven patients were treated endoscopically, while four patients were treated with combined (open+endoscopic) approach. An eyebrow incision was used for frontal sinus intervention in three patients, while the Caldwell-Luc approach was used for maxillary sinus intervention in one patient in the combined approach. Recurrence was seen in one patient who was treated endoscopically for frontal sinus mucocele during follow-up and that patient was treated with combined approach.

CONCLUSION: Paranasal sinus mucocele should be also kept in mind in case of orbital displacement, face and frontal shape disorder. Although its treatment is surgical, there is no definite treatment approach. Repeating complaints of patients and physical examination findings during postoperative follow-up must be precautionary for recurrence.