Positron emission tomography for predicting malignancy of sinonasal inverted papilloma.

BACKGROUND: Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) is an uncommon nasal tumor. It is known for being locally invasive and recurrent, with a high probability of malignant transformation. Accurate initial staging and close surveillance are critical in the management of the disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) was performed in 5 patients with IP. High FDG uptake (maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) value >3.0) was observed in all patients, and 2 patients with IP associated with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) exhibited higher SUVmax values.

CONCLUSION: The SUVmax value of a sinonasal tumor can warn the surgeon of the probability of an associated malignancy, even when preoperative biopsy demonstrates a purely benign papilloma.