Sinonasal and temporal bone inverted papillomas may sometimes be linked through direct spread via the eustachian tube. Inverted papillomas have the potential for malignant transformation; careful monitoring of both the nose and ear is therefore required for inverted papillomas found in the nasopharynx.

Retropharyngeal abscesses are rare but can occur spontaneously in adults and are potentially life threatening. Such a diagnosis should be considered so that aggressive treatment can be initiated as soon as possible to avoid life threatening mediastinal complications.