Clinical Characteristics of Primary Paranasal Sinus Mucoceles and Their Surgical Treatment Outcome

Kim, Sung Shik; Kang, Seong Seok; Kim, Kyung Su; Yoon, Joo Heon; Lee, Jeung Gweon; Park, In Yong

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Paranasal sinus mucocele is a slowly expanding benign lesion which can occur as a result of trauma, spontaneous obstruction of sinus ostium or ostial tract. Since it may destruct the adjacent bony structures by pressure, early diagnosis and proper treatment are necessary. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics of primary paranasal sinus mucoceles, and to compare the treatment results of external and transnasal approaches based on the rates of complications and recurrences.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty one cases of primary paranasal sinus mucocele diagnosed at Severance Hospital from January 1988 to September 1997 were retrospectively reviewed.
RESULTS
Twenty one cases were approached transnasally, 7 cases by external approach and 3 cases by sublabial approach. The most common site of origin was ethmoid sinus and proptosis was the most common presenting feature. Among the mucoceles of frontal and frontoethmoid sinuses, there was no difference in the rates of recurrences or complications between the two different approach methods.
CONCLUSION
Primary paranasal sinus mucocele occurs most commonly in the ethmoid sinus, and the endonasal approach is considered to be effective for the initial treatment of primary paranasal sinus mucoceles.