Small round cell tumours of the sinonasal tract: Five years experience at a tertiary cancer institute in India

Abstract

 Sinonasal malignancies (SNM) constitute nearly 3% of Head & Neck cancers. Though rare, they still are one of the most challenging conditions to manage. Immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation using relevant antibodies has become an indispensable ancillary technique for differentiating these tumours. An early and definitive diagnosis is important for optimally managing these aggressive tumours.This study was done in the department of Head & Neck Surgery in association with department of Oncopathology of a tertiary Cancer Hospital in Northeast-India. Hospital records of all patients who received treatment for a sinonasal malignancy between the years 2013 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients reported having a ‘Small round cell tumour’ in their initial histopathological examination (HPE) of biopsied tissue were included in the study. The study included 31 patients of Sinonasal SRCT, nearly 38% of the total 81 patients diagnosed with a sinonasal malignancy during the study period of 5 years. The median age of these patients was 43 +/- 8 years (range 8-82 years). With a gender ratio of 1.6: 1 (M: F), SRCTs was found slightly commoner in males. Epistaxis and nose block (unilateral or bilateral) were the commonest symptoms. Mean symptom duration was approximately 3 months. Establishing a precise diagnosis of Sinonasal SRCT is important not only in determining how aggressive the tumor might be, but is especially critical in deciding treatment modalities and their sequences. Immunohistochemistry plays an important role in proper histopathological diagnosis and further treatment planning.