[Paraffinoma--a rare complication following endonasal surgery]

Abstract

Background: Paraffin is a mineral oil which was discovered by Reichenbach in 1830. Injection of paraffin into tissue causes a foreign body reaction that results in the formation of a paraffinoma.

Methods: We are reporting on two cases of paranasal paraffinomas, in a 30-year-old male three months after a septorhinoplasty in which paraffin nasal packing was used and in a 56-year-old female patient two months after sinus surgery.

Results: A paraffinoma is probably caused by penetration of paraffin through a mucous membrane defect into the adjacent soft tissue. Paraffinomas are usually treated by excision. Although recurrences are frequent, a complete removal should be attempted because of the potential carcinogenicity of paraffin.

Conclusion: Paraffinomas must be considered in the differential diagnosis of periorbital or paranasal swellings that occur months after endonasal procedures where paraffin packing was used.