Cholesterol granuloma of the maxillary sinus: a forgotten entity

Abstract

Aim of the study: Cholesterol granuloma is a histological entity which consists of granulation tissue in which a large quantity of cholesterol crystals provoke foreign body giant cell formation. Cholesterol granulomas are often found in the middle ear with rare presentation in the paranasal sinus. We would like to highlight the diagnostic challenges and the management of maxillary sinus cholesterol granuloma in a young woman presenting as a unilateral nasal mass. Case study: We report a young woman with cholesterol granuloma of maxillary sinus who initially presented with unilateral nasal obstruction. Rigid nasoendoscopy and imaging were suggestive of an antrochoanal polyp. Ipsilateral functional endoscopic sinus surgery was done successfully. Conclusion: Albeit rare, cholesterol granuloma ought to be considered a differential diagnosis in a sinonasal tumour. This case report highlights the rare presentation of maxillary sinus cholesterol granuloma which ought to be considered a differential diagnosis of a unilateral nasal mass.