The role of fungus in diseases of the frontal sinus

Abstract

The nose and paranasal sinuses are heir to a great diversity of disease states, of which fungal species are an increasingly well-understood etiologic agent. Over the past 25 years our enhanced understanding of the role of fungus in sinus disease and the complex interactions between host and pathogen have allowed a logical classification of disease states such that proper prognostic information can be provided and therapeutic interventions undertaken. Coincident with this same time period was the introduction and popularization of endoscopic techniques to better delineate frontal sinus anatomy and address pathologic conditions in this location.As fungal rhinosinusitis of every type requires some level of endoscopic assessment or surgical therapy, disease involving the frontal sinus is now more amenable to proper treatment than at any time in the past. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.