Abstract
Sinonasal masses (SNM) display variety of overlapping and confusing clinical features which often delays the diagnosis. This study was aimed to describe the overall prevalence, symptoms, age and gender distribution of neoplastic and non-neoplastic tumors presenting as SNM. 76 patients of both sex and any age who presented with sinonasal mass into the ENT department of a teaching hospital of Kolkata from June to August 2020 were included. Patients with recurrent masses, incomplete history and who were undergoing chemotherapy and or radiotherapy were excluded from the study. After taking detailed history and thorough ENT examination the masses were surgically excised and tissues were sent for histopathological evaluation using hematoxylin and eosin stain. Radiological imaging was performed to confirm the diagnosis if required. Overall Male:Female ratio was 1.8:1. Incidences of non-neoplastic, benign and malignant SNM were 61.8%, 27.6% and 10.5% respectively. The average age of patients’ were 23.6 years, 34.2 years and 52.8 years in the same order. Nasal obstruction (80.3%), nasal discharges (55.3%) and headache (31.5%) were the three chief presenting symptoms. Sino-nasal polyp (82.9%) was most frequently found non-neoplastic tumor. Hemangioma (47.6%), inverted papilloma (23.8%) and angiofibroma (19%) were most commonly identified masses in benign group. In malignant category squamous cell carcinoma (62.5%) was the most common followed by adenocarcinoma (25%) and melanoma (12.5%). Patients detected with squamous cell carcinoma also displayed male prepondernace. Uniform gender distribution was found in case of rhinolith, fungal mass, mucocele and adenocarcinoma. There was only one female patient diagnosed with malignant melanoma. SNM are commonly found in male patients of 20 to 40 years age and they present with nasal blockage or discharge. Sinonasal polyp and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most commonly observed masses in the category of nonneoplastic and malignant SNM respectively.