There are tumors that are formed from bone tissue, as a rule, they are benign. Such neoplasms include osteoma of the frontal sinus. Its development occurs very slowly and for a long time can go unnoticed, especially if the tumor is located on the outer surface of the bones of the skull.
The causes of osteoma of the right and left frontal sinuses
There is no precise data on the factors that cause the growth of pathological bone tumors. Several theories:
- hereditary predisposition;
- genetic anomalies;
- syphilis;
- rheumatism ;
- gout;
- previously received skull injuries.
Symptoms and diagnosis of frontal sinus osteoma
In most clinical cases, signs of a tumor are not observed because of its localization - on the external surface of bone tissue. The diagnosis in this situation is made after an x-ray examination, appointed in connection with another disease.
Less often, the osteoma is located inside the frontal sinus and, as it grows, provokes the following symptoms:
- Strong headache;
- epileptic seizures;
- increased intracranial pressure ;
- memory disorders;
- ataxia;
- hearing, sight and smell;
- obstruction of nasal breathing;
- hormonal complications (rarely).
The main problem in diagnosing is that the clinical manifestations of the disease in question are similar to other oncological processes, such as carcinoma, osteochondroma, fibroma, osteosarcoma. Also, osteoma can resemble chronic poliomyelitis.
Diagnostics consists in radiographic examination of bone tissue in the selected area, computed tomography (CT).
Treatment of frontal sinus osteoma
With a slowly growing tumor localized on the outer surface of the bone, regular monitoring with CT is recommended. If the neoplasm does not cause pain and discomfort, special treatment is not required.
In those cases where the osteoma compresses the nerve endings and provokes one or more of the above symptoms, surgical intervention is prescribed. There is no conservative drug treatment for a tumor.
Operation to remove frontal sinus osteoma
Today, there are two methods of conducting such operations: classical and endoscopic:
- The first method is used with impressive dimensions of the build-up and assumes external access to the neoplasm. This surgical intervention is very traumatic and requires a long recovery period (about 1-2 months), after it there are quite noticeable scars, and it may be required
plastic correction. - The second method is minimally invasive. 2-3 punctures are performed in the osteoma area, in which special flexible instruments and a microscopic video camera are introduced, allowing the surgeon to monitor the progress of the operation in real time. This operation is better tolerated by patients, involves the rapid recovery and healing of soft tissues, almost leaves no scars.
It is important to note that when performing surgical manipulations, both classical and endoscopic, not only osteoma is removed, but also a part of healthy bone tissue around it and under the tumor. This is done in order to completely eliminate all pathologically altered bone cells, as well as to avoid a possible recurrence of the disease and repeated growth of the neoplasm in the same place.
Both operations are performed under general anesthesia for 1-2 hours, depending on the size and location of the osteoma.