Osteoid-Producing Orbital Ethmoid Tumor

Fibro-osseous lesions of the paranasal sinuses, especially those that contain multinucleated giant cells, demonstrate a significant histopathologic overlap although they manifest themselves throughout a wide range of clinical behavior. They routinely require a critical clinical and pathologic interpretation. Often, the clinical course of the disease is the only guide to diagnosis and mode of treatment.

This study presents the case of a 4-year-old boy with an osteoid-producing tumor of the ethmoid sinus. Despite an original diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia, the lesion followed a relentless course. Eventually, maxillectomy, orbital exenteration, and craniotomy were required to control the disease. The literature of fibro-osseous lesions of the paranasal sinuses is reviewed and an attempt is made to classify these lesions according to their clinical behavior.