Combined Endoscopic and External Resection of an Inverted Papilloma of the Lacrimal Sac: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background Inverted papillomas (IPs) are benign, locally aggressive neoplasms with a high recurrence rate that most commonly arise from the lateral nasal wall. Rarely, IP can originate from the lacrimal sac and/or nasolacrimal duct (NLD) system. A 58-year-old man presented with chronic epiphora and an enlarging mass inferior to his left medial canthal tendon (MCT) for 2 years. Objective The patients’ clinical presentation and surgical management are described. A literature review on IP of the lacrimal sac and NLD system was conducted. Methods Case report. Results We present a case of an IP that arose primarily from the lacrimal sac and grew below the MCT rather than extending above it. This is one of few published case reports detailing the use of a combined endoscopic and external approach for the resection of an IP of the lacrimal sac. Conclusion Combined endoscopic and external resection is a viable approach for complete removal of extensive IP of the lacrimal sac and NLD system. IP arising from the lacrimal sac may grow below the MCT or extend above it as previously reported.