Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Sino-Nasal Tumour Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study of 60 Cases

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Introduction: Sino-nasal tumors are a rare yet clinically significant group of neoplasms that affect the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Although these tumors represent a small percentage of head and neck cancers, they often present with complex symptoms and can be challenging to diagnose early. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of sino-nasal tumor patients. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the ENT and Head-Neck Surgery department, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, from June 2014 to November 2014. A total of 60 patients presenting with sinonasal tumors were selected as study subjects by purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was done by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. A descriptive method was adopted. Result: In this study of 60 sino-nasal tumor patients, the age groups 21-30 and 51-60 years had the highest representation (20% each), with the majority being male (76.67%) and primarily woodworkers (40%). Socioeconomically, 75% of patients were classified as "poor." Smoking was the most prevalent habit, affecting 50% of patients. Clinically, nasal obstruction was the most common symptom (93.33%), followed by loss of smell (70%) and epistaxis and headache (50% each). The majority of tumors were benign (93.33%), with only 6.67% being malignant. Among malignancy cases, nasal obstruction was a universal symptom, with facial pain, headache, and hyposmia observed in 75% of these patients. Conclusion: This study concludes that sino-nasal tumors predominantly affect middle-aged men, often with significant occupational exposure to carcinogenic materials like wood dust and industrial chemicals. Socioeconomic and lifestyle factors further compound the risk, highlighting the importance of comprehensive preventive measures and early detection strategies, particularly in high-risk occupations. Awareness of prevalent symptoms such as nasal obstruction, ...