Sinus tumors can be removed endoscopically

AUGUSTA, Ga., Oct 5, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A study by the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta finds large sinus tumors can be removed endoscopically rather than by facial incisions.

The vice chairman of the school's department of otolaryngology, Dr. Stil Kountakis, said the endoscopic approach worked well not only to remove large inverted papillomas in 18 patients ages 36 to 74, but also to watch for re-growth of the tumors. The study participants were treated as outpatients and 56 percent remained disease-free at 29 months.

"If there is a chance to cure benign disease using minimally invasive techniques, it always works best for the patient," said Kountakis. "Endoscopic techniques allow you to support the ancient dictum of do no harm and, at the same time, provide care to the patient."

The study -- co-authored by Dr. Mark Jameson of the University of Virginia Health System's department of otolaryngology -- was published in the September-October issue of the American Journal of Rhinology.

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