What Is an Inverted Papilloma?
A papilloma forms when there is an excessive growth of cells in surfaces or linings of organs. The benign skin growth called wart is actually a papilloma caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Inverted papilloma are papillomas that grow inward, relative to the normal supporting tissues, and look like fingers which can be visible to the human eye or under the microscope. These growths are commonly found on the nasal cavities, urinary tract, and skin. Inverted papillomas are normally benign, but may cause obstructive symptoms or bleeding. Inverted papillomas are most common in the nose and sinuses; even so, they only represent approximately 0.5% of all nasal tumors. When found in the nasal or paranasal passages, it is also called nasal papilloma, sinonasal papilloma, or Schneiderian papilloma. Most often, it occurs in only one side of the nose.
