A retrospective review of all cases of inverted papilloma at the Unive
rsity of Michigan from 1975 to 1992 revealed 51 cases of inverted papi
lloma. Of these, 14 (27%) had an associated squamous cell carcinoma (S
CC). Eight (16%) were metachronous and 6 (11%) were synchronous. At a
mean follow-up of 53 months, the disease-free survival of patients wit
h carcinoma limited to the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses was 57%
(4/7) compared to 14% (1/7) of those patients presenting with disease
extending beyond the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The data also
support the lateral rhinotomy approach with medial maxillectomy and e
thmoidectomy as a minimum procedure followed by postoperative radiatio
n therapy. The mean interval between the diagnosis of inverted papillo
ma and development of SCC was 63 months (range, 6 months to 13 years),
Therefore, long-term follow-up with clinical examination and computed
tomography (CT) scan is indicated for all patients with inverted papi
lloma.