Background: We aimed to investigate the tumor biology of nasal IP and identify the biological characteristics associated with early diagnosis and malignant transformation.
Materials and methods: Lectins immunohistochemistry were performed on inverted papilloma (IP), and associated neoplasms. IP synchronized with polyp or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and IP metachronized with SCC were analyzed and correlated to clinical information.
Results: Canavalia ensiformis (ConA) and Arachis hypogaea (PNA) with neuraminidase pretreatment (NA-PNA) showed similar staining in both the IP and SCC portions of the IP synchronized with SCC. The IP and polyp portions of an IP synchronized polyp had positive NA-PNA staining, while papilloma and polyps alone had negative staining. Strong NA-PNA staining in the IP (transformed to SCC) showed significant differences from IP.
Conclusion: These biological characteristics define IP as a premalignant neoplasm. NA-PNA staining may be helpful for an early detection of IP. Strong NA-PNA staining in IP may predict malignant transformation.