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Papillomatosis of the nasal passages
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Papillomatosis of the nasal passages is extremely rare in otolaryngology and is often confused with cancer of this area.
What causes nasal papillomatosis?
The most probable theory is that papillomatosis of the nose and other upper respiratory tracts has a viral origin. Contributing factors include chronic common infection, trauma, congenital predisposition, smoking, and alcohol abuse.
Pathological anatomy
Papillomatous growths are caused by hyperplasia of the integumentary epithelium and underlying vascular and connective tissue elements. In the nasal passages, multiple papillomas are localized mainly on the inferior nasal conchae, in the middle nasal passage and on the nasal septum.
Symptoms of papillomatosis of the nasal passages
The main symptoms of papillomatosis of the nasal passages are minor but frequent nosebleeds and slowly increasing difficulty in nasal breathing. Over time, complete respiratory obstruction of one half of the nose develops, since the papillomatous process is usually unilateral. During anterior rhinoscopy, the nasal mucosa at the sites of papillomatosis looks bright red, covered with papillomatous vegetations that narrow the nasal passages. Some papillomas hang down into the lumen of the nasal passages on legs, floating with increased breathing through the nose. When touched with a probe, they immediately begin to bleed, but the bleeding is sluggish, quickly stopping. Papillomatosis of the nasal passages is characterized by progressive evolution, leading to complete obstruction of the corresponding half of the nose, while cases of germination through the natural opening in the maxillary sinus are not uncommon. Papillomatosis of the nasal passages may undergo degeneration, necrosis or malignancy, therefore, in all cases of this disease, repeated and deep biopsy is indicated.
Diagnosis of papillomatosis of the nasal passages
Diagnosis of papillomatosis of the nasal passages is based on the same principles as for a single papilloma of the nose.
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What do need to examine?
What tests are needed?
Treatment of papillomatosis of the nasal passages
Treatment of papillomatosis of the nasal passages consists of loop removal of papillomas followed by diathermocoagulation or exposure to a surgical laser on the area of those places from which the papilloma grew. Papillomatosis of the nasal passages is characterized by frequent relapses.