Clinico-pathological spectrum of sinonasal masses: a tertiary care hospital experience

Background: Sinonasal masses (SNM) are a fairly common clinical entity that occurs amongst patients of all age groups. There symptoms and signs frequently overlap, hence a diagnostic dilemma exists. A correct diagnosis is prudent for instituting correct treatment and expecting recovery. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to decipher and study the various pathologies that present as sinonasal masses. Methods: A retrospective analysis done on 80 patients of SNM who presented to the Department of ENT, Subharti Medical College and Hospital, Meerut from May 2016 to April 2017. Their biodata, clinical profile and histolopathological diagnosis were analyzed. Results: SNM were male predominant and were non-neoplastic in 53 cases (66.25%). Nasal obstruction was the most common presenting feature (71 cases, 88.75%). Nasal polyps are the most commonly encountered SNM. Non-neoplastic SNM were common in the age group of 11 to 40 years. Benign SNM were common during the 2 nd to 4 th decade of life, while malignant SNM were common from 5 th decade onwards. Conclusions: SNM constitute a very wide spectrum of differential diagnoses. They have a male predominance and majority are non-neoplastic. Nasal polyps are the most commonly encountered SNM, seen during 2 nd to 4 th decade of life, while squamous cell carcinoma is the most commonly encounterd malignancy, generally from 5 th decade onwards. Surgery is the treatment of choice.