Rare dental tumour mistaken for sinusitis removed through keyhole surgery in Mumbai

The patient said he had never imagined a tooth tumour was responsible for his problems. Representation Pic/istock

A rare dental tumour impersonating as chronic sinusitis for years was successfully removed through a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure at a Mumbai hospital, bringing relief to a 33-year-old banker who had long struggled with recurring nasal problems.

Nirmal Kotal had been living with constant nasal blockage, facial pain, frequent cold-like symptoms, and repeated sinus infections. Despite multiple visits to dentists and several courses of antibiotics and nasal sprays, his condition failed to improve, with doctors initially treating it as stubborn sinusitis.

Doctor speak

Dr Tofiq Bohra
‘Such tumours often go undetected because their symptoms closely resemble common sinus disorders. By the time imaging is done, the tumour may have grown silently. Our goal was to completely remove the tumour while causing the least possible trauma and preserving both function and appearance. Advances in endoscopic surgery now allow us to treat such cases. Kotal recovered fully and was discharged on July 15 in a stable condition'

Scan showing wisdom tooth grown in sinus around cheekbone

‘I felt hopeful'

"For years, I thought I was dealing with a recurring sinus problem. I never imagined a tooth tumour would cause all my symptoms. When Dr Bohra explained the condition and assured me it could be treated without major facial surgery, I finally felt hopeful," Kotal said.

Scan revelations

A CT scan eventually revealed a large calcified growth inside his right maxillary sinus - the air-filled cavity behind the cheekbone. Further tests identified it as a complex composite odontoma, a rare, benign tumour made up of abnormal dental tissue. The tumour had displaced Kotal's wisdom tooth into the sinus.

Hospitalisation

Kotal was admitted to SL Raheja Hospital on July 12 under the care of Dr Tofiq Bohra, Head of Craniofacial and TMJ Surgery. Scans showed the tumour measured around 2.5 cm by 1 cm and occupied a significant portion of the sinus. Instead of performing conventional open facial surgery, doctors opted for a minimally invasive endoscopic approach and removed the tumour and wisdom tooth.

July 12
Day Nirmal Kotal was admitted