The pathology of head and neck tumors: Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, part 5

Abstract

Nasal polyps and epithelial papillomas of the sinonasal tract often manifest similar clinical signs and symptoms. The similarity ends, however, when one considers their disparate biologic behavior. Polyps are associated with atopy, infection, and some metabolic, systemic disorders, whereas papillomas are enigmatic in pathogenesis and do not have an association with possible precursor disorders. While recurrences of nasal polyps may be an annoyance for the patient, such recurrences lack the local aggressiveness of the papilloma. Malignancies are rare in nasal polyps, whereas the frequency of malignancies in papillomas is both statistically and biologically significant. In this report, selected aspects of nasal polyps are considered and serve to contrast with the clinicopathologic evaluation of epithelial papillomas.

Characterization of initial clinical symptoms and risk factors for sinonasal adenocarcinomas: results of a case–control study

“…Other regions appear to be aVected in subjects denying any exposure to wood dust. Another peculiarity of the sinonasal adenocarcinoma is its morphological spectrum (Klintenberg et al 1984;Batsakis 1987;Kleinsasser and Schroeder 1988;Donhuijsen et al 2004). According to Kleinsasser's classiWcation into intestinal and non-intestinal types, the former has been connected with the adenocarcinomas associated with wood dust (Kleinsasser and Schroeder 1988;Franquemont et al 1991;Saber et al 1998;Donhuijsen et al 2004).…”

Factors Influencing Survival in Ethmoid Sinus Cancer

“…Computed tomography documents the expansive nature of paranasal sinus cancers with erosion of bony sinus boundaries.8 Magnetic resonance imaging delineates in¬ volvement of adjacent soft-tissue structures, encasement of large vascular structures, and distinguishes between tumor filling a sinus cavity and inspissated mucus in an Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malig¬ nancy of the maxillary sinus, but adenocarcinoma pre¬ dominates in ethmoid sinus cancers. 9 Knegt et al10 noted 20 of 32 ethmoid sinus lesions were adenocarcinoma and that squamous cell carcinoma was present in only nine patients. Other series have shown a predominance of squamous cell carcinoma in the ethmoid sinus.1112 Chronic wood dust exposure poses a particularly high risk for ethmoid sinus cancer.…”

Management of paranasal sinus malignancy

“…This area is home to a variety of benign and malignant neoplasms [1,2]. Sinonasal tumors are uncommon and represent a heterogeneous group of head and neck lesions.…”