Histopathological Spectrum of Lesions in Nasopharynx and Sinonasal Sinuses: A Tertiary Care Experience

Background: Lesions of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx encompass a wide range from non-neoplastic inflammatory conditions to benign and malignant neoplasms. Because of overlapping clinical features, histopathological examination remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Aims: To evaluate the histopathological spectrum of lesions in the nasopharynx and sinonasal region, analyze their demographic distribution, and compare findings with previous studies. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to June 2024 in the Department of Pathology, Sardar Patel Medical College, and Bikaner. A total of 150 biopsies from sinonasal and nasopharyngeal regions were studied. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed; special stains were used when indicated. Data were analyzed statistically. Results: Among 150 cases, 81 (54%) were non-neoplastic and 69 (46%) were neoplastic. Males predominated (63.3%), and the mean age was 40.08 years. The nasal cavity was the most common site (46.7%), followed by tonsillar region (26%). Inflammatory polyp was the most frequent non-neoplastic lesion, while squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignant tumor. The association between age and lesion type was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The sinonasal and nasopharyngeal regions show a diverse spectrum of lesions. Non-neoplastic inflammatory conditions predominate, but malignant neoplasms, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, constitute a significant subset, emphasizing the role of histopathology in accurate diagnosis and management.