Inflammatory pseudotumour of the nasal cavity and sinuses

The term inflammatory pseudotumour encompasses a very diverse group of cond itions, with different sites, whose only common feature is the absence of a specific histological diagnosis. The histopathological and aetiopathogenic data have been derived from experience in the thoracic, orbital and abdomi nal forms, which are much more frequent than disease affecting the nasal ca vities and sinuses. However, there is no evidence that these data are appli cable to sino-nasal pseudotumour. We present a case of inflammatory pseudot umour of the nasal cavity and a review of the literature (19 cases in 30 ye ars) with respect to the clinical and radiological findings, the natural hi story and the specific management of disease at these sites. Surgery seems to be the best option for this localization. Corticosteroids and radiothera py may be of value in cases of residual tumour after the histological confi rmation of the diagnosis and the exclusion of neoplasia.