Pattern of nasal and paranasal sinus tumours in Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

A retrospective study to determine the incidence, mode of presentation and histological types of nasal and sino-nasal tumours in Owerri, Nigeria, over 10 years period from January 1995 to December 2004 is presented. The clinical records of all patients with nasal and paranasal sinus tumours biopsied or surgically excised were reviewed for demographic data, clinical history, investigations, histological results and treatment among others. Thirty nine patients with occurrence rate of 0.76/1000 attendance with nasal and sino-nasal tumours were seen over the 10 years period. Male/Female ratio was 1.1:1, age range was 12-69 years with an average of 43.4+ or -5.5 years. Benign tumours (58.97%) were more frequent than malignant tumours (41 .03%). The most frequent histological types were haemangioma (30.78%) and squamous cell carcinoma (20.51%). Nasal blockage (94.81%) followed by mass in the nose (87.18%) and epistaxis (71.79%) were the most common symptoms at presentation. Late presentation at T3 and T4 stages was the order. The treatment modalities were surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Sinonasal tumours were uncommon and occurred at younger age group. Presentation and diagnosis were late as poor facilities and inadequate health education affected early presentation. © Medwell Journals, 2010.