Sinonasal inverted papillomas (IPs) are rare benign tumors with ~15% postoperative recurrence and a ~8% risk of malignant transformation, with human papillomavirus (HPV) reported as a risk factor in IP malignant transformation. To evaluate clinical, molecular and immunohistochemical factors associated with recurrence and malignant transformation in IPs. We retrospectively analyzed 73 patients with histologically confirmed IPs that were treated at three tertiary ENT centers, including radiologic data, HPV DNA detection and p16 immunohistochemistry. Univariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with recurrence and malignant transformation, and restricted exploratory multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess recurrence while minimizing overfitting. Fourteen recurrences (19%) were associated with longer symptom duration (p = 0.003), smoking (p = 0.03), advanced Krouse stage (III–IV) (p < 0.001), frontal sinus origin (p = 0.02), HPV+ DNA (50% vs. 22%, p = 0.048), and p16 loss/reduced expression (p = 0.006). Nine recurrences transformed into carcinoma (12%) and were associated with smoking (p = 0.01). HPV+ was not associated with malignancy (p = 1.00). Recurrence was associated with the advanced stage of the IP, tobacco use, longer symptom duration, frontal sinus origin, HPV+, and p16 loss/reduced expression.

Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare proliferative disorder characterized by an overproduction of a type of immune cell called histiocytes, with unknown etiology. Although extranodal involvement is not uncommon, it is rarely seen within the nose. The available data are limited, and currently, there are no established guidelines for managing RDD. Different therapeutic options have been described, including corticosteroids, surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. This study aims to evaluate the potential benefit of radiotherapy in patients with nasal Rosai–Dorfman disease to improve the current diagnostic and therapeutic management. Herein, we report the case of a 54-year-old female patient with nasal RDD refractory to systemic corticosteroid therapy and transnasal endoscopic resection. She received fractionated low-dose radiotherapy with a total dose of 30 cGy administered in 2 cGy daily fractions. Complete remission was achieved, highlighting the potential role of radiotherapy as an effective therapeutic option for relapsing or steroid-refractory cases. This is one of the few well-documented cases reported with nasal Rosai–Dorfman disease treated with radiotherapy. Ongoing research on novel therapies offers hope for improved outcomes in relapsing cases that fail to respond to conventional treatments.

Castleman disease (CD) is a group of lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by abnormal enlargement of lymph nodes (LNs) and a wide range of symptoms. Only a few cases are found in the head and neck. Based on clinical presentation and evolution, the disease can be classified into two main subtypes: unicentric CD (UCD), characterized by the enlargement of a single LN or a single LN chain, and multicentric CD (MCD), characterized by the involvement of multiple LNs and regions, with more important systemic symptoms and a poor prognosis. CD is also known as “the great mimicker” and can be easily misdiagnosed, sharing similar clinical and imaging characteristics with other pathologies, mainly when it is found in the neck. A histopathological (HP) and immunohistochemical (IHC) correlation is essential in these cases to accurately diagnose and establish the proper treatment plan. In light of this, we present a rare case of a 15-year-old young female with a slowly expanding, isolated supraclavicular mass. An excisional biopsy was performed, and the results confirmed the presence of CD, hyaline-vascular type. As of this writing, there was no evidence of recurrence or new enlarged LNs. We also review CD’s clinical and HP features and the diagnostic and treatment challenges it poses.

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), also known as esthesioneuroblastoma, is a rare malignant neuroectodermal tumor originating primarily from the basal layer of the olfactory epithelium in the roof of the nasal cavity. The most common symptoms are nasal obstruction, anosmia, recurrent epistaxis, rhinorrhea and excessive lacrimation. Imaging studies are helpful for assessing the extent of olfactory neuroblastoma, as well as grading the tumor. The definitive diagnosis is based on histopathological exam and immunohistochemistry profile and it might be quite challenging because the tumor can mimic other sinonasal malignancies. Because of the small number of reported cases and the lack of prospective research, the optimal treatment for olfactory neuroblastoma is still controversial. However, it is generally believed that surgical resection followed by radiotherapy gives the best outcome in terms of recurrence and survival rates. Keeping in mind the rarity of olfactory neuroblastoma and the diagnostic difficulty, the aim of this study is to improve the understanding of the clinical features by reviewing the literature focusing on the recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ONB. Moreover, we are reporting an atypical case of an aggressive type of olfactory neuroblastoma treated through a multimodal approach, with no signs of tumor recurrence after a 3-month follow-up.

Background: Surgical palatal techniques are established alternatives to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in selective patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with retropalatal airway collapse. Anterior palatoplasty (AP) stiffens and advances the soft palate, whereas radiofrequency-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (RF-UPP) uses thermal ablation to reduce palatal tissue. This study aimed to compare the 6-month efficacy and morbidity of AP vs. RF-UPP in treating mild-to-moderate OSA. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study (March 2023–March 2025) of 86 adults (mean age ~42 years; 69.8% male) with mild-moderate OSA (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI] 5–30) due to palatal obstruction; 43 patients underwent AP and 43 patients underwent RF-UPP. Polysomnographic AHI, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), snoring severity (0–10 visual analog scale, VAS) and sleep-related quality of life (functional outcomes of sleep questionnaire, FOSQ) were analyzed at baseline and 6 months postoperatively. Postoperative pain (0–10 VAS), recovery time, and bleeding events were also assessed. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (AHI ~22 vs. 21 events/h; ESS ~11 vs. 10; snoring VAS ~8.4 vs. 8.2 in AP vs. RF-UPP, all p > 0.1). At 6 months, the AP group achieved a greater mean AHI reduction than the RF-UPP group (−13.5 ± 7.5 vs. −8.0 ± 7.2, p < 0.001), with post-treatment AHI averaging 8.5 ± 6.0 vs. 13.2 ± 6.5 events/h (AP vs. RF-UPP). AP yielded a higher surgical success rate (34/43 (79.1%) vs. 23/43 (53.5%), p = 0.012), meeting the criteria of ≥50% AHI reduction to <15; p = 0.01. Subjective outcomes improved in both groups, but AP showed greater mean reductions in ESS (−5.5 vs. −3.1 points, p = 0.001) and snoring VAS (−5.7 vs. −3.1, p = 0.002). The improvements in ESS, snoring VAS, and FOSQ scores were observed in both groups, with significantly greater gains after AP. Postoperative pain and time to resumption of normal diet were higher in the AP group. No major complications occurred in either group. Conclusions: Anterior palatoplasty demonstrated superior efficacy to RF-UPP in mild-moderate OSA at the expense of increased postoperative pain and a longer recovery period. AP may offer a greater therapeutic benefit in appropriately selected patients with palatal obstruction.