Tumors and tumor-like conditions of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx: A study of 206 cases.

INTRODUCTION: The nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx though in continuity form a complex system of upper respiratory tract; this region is endowed with a variety of elements such as epithelial, glandular, lymphoid, cartilage, and bone and is also exposed to a variety of infections, tumor-like and true neoplastic conditions.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To find out the frequency of various tumors and tumor-like conditions of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is an analysis of 206 tumors and tumor-like conditions of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx diagnosed during a period of 5 years.

RESULTS: The patients' age ranged from 14 months to 85 years. Benign lesions were predominant in the second and third decades, with 30 cases (68.1%) occurring in that age group. Malignancies occurred predominantly in the sixth and seventh decades with 28 (60.9%) cases in this age group. Benign lesions in the nasopharynx comprised 75% cases and malignancies 25%. Eighty-three (71.5%) tumor-like conditions occurred in the nose and antrochoanal region.

CONCLUSION: Angiofibroma was the most common benign tumor accounting for 25.55% of all neoplastic lesions. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy at this site constituting 50% of all malignancies.