Polypoidal Masses in Nose: A Clinico - Pathological Correlation Study

Abstract

A polypoidal mass in the nasal cavity is a condition commonly encountered by the Otorhinolaryngologist. A diverse group of lesions may present themselves as polypoidal masses. A number of benign looking polyps often turn out to be malignant lesions or vice versa. OBJECTIVES: This study is intended to clinically differentiate the various conditions presenting as nasal polypoidal lesions, to understand their exact nature by histopathological examination and thereby learn the relative incidence of individual conditions encountered. METHODOLOGY: Detailed history, clinical examination and histopathological examination of nasal polypoid masses were done in 73 patients. Incidence, clinical features and histopathological correlation of all the polypoidal masses were ascertained. RESULTS: Of the 73 cases, 53 (72.6%) cases were non-neoplastic and 20 (27.4%) were neoplastic lesions. The non-neoplastic lesions included nasal polyps, rhinosporidiosis, pyogenic granuloma and mucocoele. Benign neoplasms included inverted papilloma, haemangioma, angiofibroma, neurilemmoma and pleomorphic adenoma. Malignant neoplasms included squamous cell carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and olfactory neuroblastoma. CONCLUSION: Polypoidal masses in the nose may range from non-neoplastic lesions to benign and malignant neoplasms with various histopathologic findings. It is impossible to distinguish between such lesions clinically. Hence, it is essential that all polypoidal masses removed should be evaluated histopathologically, to make a correct diagnosis.