[Tumors originated from the inferior nasal turbinates: clinical features in 34 patients]

The purpose of this study was to analyzed the histopathologic spectrum and clinical features of the tumors originated from the inferior nasal turbinates.

Clinical data of 34 patients with tumours of the inferior nasal turbinates, treated from Jan. 1998 to Dec. 2012, were retrospectively reviewed. Of the 34 patients, 18 male and 16 female, aged from 25 years to 76 years (mean: 45.6yr).

(1) Pathology : Of the 34 patients, 23 (67.6%) were benign and 11 (32.4%) were malignant. Hemangiomas were the most frequent benign tumour accounting for 18/23 (78.3%) in benign tumour and for 52.9% in all the tumors originated from inferior nasal turbinates. Other benign tumours included inverted papilloma, squamous papillomas and extrapleural solitary neurofibroma tumor. The most common malignant tumour was non-Hodgkin's lymphoma accounting for 6/11 (54.5%) in malignant tumour and for 17.6% in all the tumors. Other malignant tumour included squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and undifferentiated carcinoma. (2) Distribution: Most tumors (31/34) arose from unilateral turbinates. Hemangiomas is the commonest tumor originated from anterior part of the turbinate in 14 cases of 18 (77.8%). NHL and melanoma involved through turbinates. 3. Symtoms: Nasal obstruction was the most common symtom (25/34, 73.5%). Epistaxis and bloody nasal discharge were the chief complaint in hemangiomas.

1. The most common benign and malignant tumors of the inferior turbinate were hemangioma and NHL. The majority of the hemangiomas (14/18) arose from the anterior part of the inferior turbinate. NHL or melanoma often presented progressive, unilateral or bilateral diffuse enlargement of the inferior turbinate with poor vascular contractile reactivity to the ephedrine.