Epiphora: A Rare Indicator of Underlying Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Introduction: Epiphora, or excessive tearing, is commonly linked to benign conditions such as blocked tear ducts. However, a recent case report highlights how this seemingly harmless symptom can be a sign of an unexpected underlying squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) within sinonasal inverted papilloma (SIP). Understanding the broader implications of this discovery can help medical professionals improve early diagnosis and patient outcomes. Visit https://www.clinmedcasereportsjournal.org/acr for more groundbreaking research in this field.

Understanding Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma (SIP) and its Malignant Potential:

• SIP is a benign tumor originating from the Schneiderian mucosa in the nasal cavity and sinuses, accounting for 0.5% to 4% of all nasal neoplasms.
• Unlike other benign tumors, SIP exhibits aggressive characteristics such as invasiveness, recurrence, and potential malignant transformation.
• Secondary SCC within SIP occurs in approximately 9% of cases, significantly impacting prognosis and treatment options.

Case Summary:

• A 66-year-old woman presented with a four-year history of right-sided epiphora and swelling near the medial canthus.
• Initially diagnosed with chronic dacryocystitis, further examination revealed a firm, non-tender mass and mucopurulent regurgitation.
• Endoscopic and imaging assessments identified an abnormal soft tissue mass in the right nasolacrimal sac and lateral nasal wall with bone erosion.
• Biopsy confirmed an inverted papilloma with synchronous squamous cell carcinoma.

Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment:

• The American Academy of Otolaryngology emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluation in persistent epiphora cases, as it may indicate underlying malignancies.
• Imaging modalities like CT and MRI play a crucial role in differentiating benign and malignant causes of nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
• Multidisciplinary treatment approaches combining ophthalmology and otolaryngology expertise can optimize surgical outcomes.

Strategic Link Placement:

• Read the full study at https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.acr.1001038.
• A detailed analysis can be found in our main journal article.
• Explore related studies on sinonasal tumors here.

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