Sinonasal intestinal- and non-intestinal-type adenocarcinoma in China: a retrospective study of 14 cases

In China, reports on the epidemiology of adenocarcinomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are limited.

This study aimed to describe the experience of a single institution in China in treating these malignant tumours.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with adenocarcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses admitted between January 2019 and December 2021. Tumour staging was based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer, 8th edition, for sinonasal malignancies.

The series included 10 men and 4 women (mean age, 54.5 [range, 14-80] years). Epistaxis and nasal obstruction were the most common clinical manifestations in 10 (71.4%) patients. Ten (71.4%) had stage T4 disease at diagnosis, but no patient had lymph node or distant metastasis. The posterosuperior septum (100.0%) and middle turbinate (92.8%) were the two sites most vulnerable to tumour invasion. All patients underwent endoscopic resection as the initial treatment; one patient died.

In China, these malignancies are related to exposure to certain substances; however, diagnosis can be delayed. Endoscopic resection is a suitable treatment option for adenocarcinomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.