CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF SINONASAL REGION LESIONS: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Benign and malignant lesions of the sinonasal area are frequently seen in the clinic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathological and clinical features of patients diagnosed with sinonasal lesions in the Department of Pathology of the University of Health Sciences Ankara Training and Research Hospital between 2016 and 2019. Evaluation was made of benign and malignant sinonasal lesions reported in the Department of Pathology of the University of Health Sciences Ankara Training and Research Hospital between 2016 and 2019. The data including age, gender, diagnosis, localization and clinical information of patients diagnosed with benign and malignant sinonasal lesions were obtained retrospectively from the hospital information system and patient files. The data sets created were then evaluated statistically and the results were discussed in the light of the relevant literature. From the data sets obtained from the patient data, it was observed that the number of benign lesions in the sinonasal region (91%) was higher than malignant lesions (9%). Patients with sinonasal masses were predominantly in the 41-50 years age group, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction were determined to be the most common symptoms at presentation. The anatomic localization of the lesions sent to the pathology department was classified by the clinician, and reported as 84.5% nasal cavity, 3.5% nasal septum, 1.6% nasal concha, 2.2% nasal vestibule, and 8.2% paranasal sinus. According to the pathological diagnoses of these cases, sinonasal polyps with benign characteristics were found at the rate of 82.6%, and inverted papilloma with the potential for malignancy and recurrence at 8.5%. Sinonasal lesions are often benign but malignant potential should not be ignored. It should be kept in mind that benign and malignant lesions of this region may show similar symptoms and indications in clinical evaluation. Therefore, endoscopic and pathological evaluation is important for lesions detected in the sinonasal region.