Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 December 2011
Fungiform papillomas are benign mucosal neoplasms presenting as a unilateral exophytic mass involving the anterior portion of the nasal septum. In this study, we present an exceptional case of a bilateral fungiform papilloma with a synchronous verrucous carcinoma of the nasal septum.
A case study with a review of the literature concerning malignant changes in fungiform papilloma.
The general consensus in most of the literature is that malignant change in fungiform papilloma is exceptional. Our patient is probably the third reported case of verrucous carcinoma of the nasal septum, and the first report of a bilateral fungiform papilloma with a synchronous verrucous carcinoma. The tumour was subjected to complete surgical removal in the first instance. There was no recurrence at follow up seven months after surgery.
Although fungiform papillomas are generally not premalignant, occasional malignant transformation may occur. Thus, they must be managed with the utmost cautiousness.