Swelling of the ethmoidal cells | Ethmoidal cells

Swelling of the ethmoidal cells

In a healthy state, particles and germs in the mucus are transported by the cell movement, the cilia beat, towards the exit (ostium, ostiomeatal unit). During an inflammation of the ethmoid cells (sinusitis ethmoidalis) the mucosa (respiratory ciliated epithelium) of the ethmoid cells can swell. This swelling can close the exit (ostium) and thus disturb the flow of secretions from the maxillary and frontal sinuses (frontal and maxillary sinus). As a result, germs also remain in the other paranasal sinuses and can lead to further inflammation there, so that inflammation and swelling can spread to the frontal and maxillary sinuses.

OP of the ethmoidal cells

In the case of chronic inflammation of the ethmoid cells and adjacent structures, the aim is to ensure better drainage of secretions by clearing them out. This does not involve clearing out the entire system of the paranasal sinus, but only swollen mucous membrane and polyps, as well as the thin bony walls between the ethmoid cells. This is performed as an endonasal procedure, i.e. only the inside of the nose is operated on, without any external incision.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia and the hospital stay usually lasts one week. A follow-up treatment follows to keep the nasal passages open.This can last three months or longer. After the operation, swelling, redness or other signs of inflammation are usually no longer noticeable, but headaches may occur. A detailed explanation by the surgeon and the anesthesiologist is given before the operation.

Tumor of the ethmoidal cells

A distinction is made between benign and malignant tumors. Benign tumors in the paranasal sinuses are usually bone tumors (osteomas) or infiltrated wart tumors (infiltrating papillomas). Tumors of the ethmoidal cells can be caused by environmental influences such as wood dust, chemical vapors or smoke and are recognized as occupational diseases, e.g. in carpenters.

Genetic factors cannot be completely ruled out and are being discussed. Early symptoms of a malignant tumor of the ethmoid cells or other paranasal sinuses can be unilateral nasal breathing obstruction, inflammatory symptoms of the ethmoid cells (swelling, redness, pain, pus) and repeated, frequent nosebleeds (epistaxis). Later, the cheek, eyelids and forehead may swell.

Vision problems with double vision may also occur when the eyeball is displaced by pressure. At first, a rhinoscopy is performed to directly detect a possible tumor. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to determine the extent of the tumor more precisely.

Comprehensive palpation of the cervical lymph nodes is also absolutely necessary. In most cases, surgical removal of the tumor is recommended. In the case of larger malignant tumors, radiation and chemotherapy are also often carried out.

Small benign osteomas usually do not require therapy. However, papillomas grow quickly and sometimes contain malignant parts. They should therefore be treated exactly like malignant tumors. The prognosis varies depending on the type of tumor, but is usually quite good if discovered in the early stages. However, if they invade surrounding structures, such as the eye socket and the pterygopalatal fossa (fossa pterygopalatina), the prognosis is usually relatively poor.