THE GROWTH-RATE OF OSTEOMAS OF THE PARANASAL SINUSES

Paranasal sinus osteomas are benign tumours, occasionally known to cau se complications. They have a tendency to grow slowly, but the growth rate has never been evaluated;previously. We retrospectively studied 4 4 patients with paranasal sinus osteomas. In 13 out of the 23 patients who underwent at least two sinus radiographs at different times some growth was seen. The mean growth rate of these 13 osteomas was 1.61 mm /yr, range 0.44 to 6.0 mm/yr. The endoscopic technique is a good metho d for the removal of osteomas and obliteration of the frontal sinus do es not seem to be necessary. Two patients having osteomas with intracr anial expansion are described.