General ENT Conditions

Nasal Tumours refer to abnormal growths or masses that develop within the nasal cavity or sinuses. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Non-cancerous tumours include: nasal polyps , inverted papillomas, and juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (more common in young males) with lesions typically exhibiting a smooth surface, being localised, and covered by mucous membranes. Other types are: squamous papilloma, pleomorphic adenoma, glioma, dermoid, encephalocele, haemangioma, schwannoma, meningioma & chondroma.

Malignant ones include various types of cancerous growths such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, melanoma, sarcomas, lymphoma and esthesioneuroblastoma (olfactory neuroblastoma). Malignant tumours can originate from the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses, and can extend into adjacent structures like the nasopharynx or skull base. They tend to be fragile, with a granular surface prone to bleeding.

Distinguishing them from paranasal sinus tumours can be challenging, especially in later stages. Besides primary tumours, the nasal cavity can be affected by growths from adjacent areas like the paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, and oral cavity.

Symptoms may include nasal obstruction, bleeding, or noticeable growths. Diagnostic tools such as CT scans, MRI scans, and nasal biopsies are employed. Treatment involves wide local excision for benign tumours, while malignant tumours require a combination of wide local excision, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.