[Paraffinoma--a rare complication following endonasal surgery].

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.