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Paranasal Sinus Mucocele

  • Sine qua non Radiology-Pathology
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Abstract

Paranasal sinus mucoceles are epithelium-lined cystic masses usually resulting from obstruction of sinus ostia. They most frequently occur in the frontal and ethmoid sinuses. While ophthalmologic symptoms are most common, patients also report rhinological or neurological complaints. The close proximity of paranasal sinus mucoceles to the orbit and skull base predisposes the patient to significant morbidity. Computed tomography displays a non-enhancing homogenous mass with expansion of bony walls. Magnetic resonance imaging reveals variable intensity of T1-weighted images and a hyperintense mass on T2-weighted images. Histopathologically mucoceles have features of respiratory mucosa with areas of reactive bone formation, hemorrhage, fibrosis, and granulation tissue. Surgical excision is the standard treatment with trends towards endoscopic techniques.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Brenda Nelson for her support and advice with writing this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA, 92134-5000, USA

    Gregory G. Capra & David P. Mullin

  2. Department of Anatomic Pathology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA

    Peter N. Carbone

Authors
  1. Gregory G. Capra
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  2. Peter N. Carbone
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  3. David P. Mullin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gregory G. Capra.

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The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the author and are not to be construed as official or representing the views of the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.

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Capra, G.G., Carbone, P.N. & Mullin, D.P. Paranasal Sinus Mucocele. Head and Neck Pathol 6, 369–372 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-012-0359-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-012-0359-2

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