A case-control study of the risk factors associated with sinonasal inverted papilloma.

Background: The etiology of sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) is unknown. This study was designed to evaluate the possible risk factors associated with IP Methods: This is a case-control epidemiology study in a tertiary referral center. Fifty patients with IP and 150 matched controls were interviewed using a questionnaire on suspected risk factors. Univariate analysis of the risk factors and calculation of the matched odds ratios, the corresponding 95% CIs, and p values was performed. Significant risk factors were further studied using conditional logistic regression analysis.

Results: Outdoor and industrial occupations were associated with IP. Tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol, history of allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyp, non-sinonasal papilloma and non-sinonasal malignancy were not significant factors.

Conclusion: Outdoor and industrial occupations were associated with IP and may be potential risk factors. Future studies are warranted to further evaluate the individual type of occupation and chemical involved.