Neuropathology Entities Involving the Sinonasal Tract.

Area of Science:

• Neuropathology
• Surgical Pathology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Neuropathologic entities uncommonly involve the sinonasal tract.
• These entities can arise from embryologic defects, benign tumor extension, or intracranial tumor invasion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of considering neuropathologic entities in the differential diagnosis of sinonasal lesions.
• To review the mechanisms by which neuropathologic entities involve the sinonasal tract.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of neuropathologic entities involving the sinonasal tract.
• Classification of these entities based on their origin and mechanism of sinonasal involvement.

Main Results:

• Identified three main mechanisms: (1) ectopic tissue/developmental defects (e.g., anterior encephalocele), (2) extension of benign intracranial tumors (e.g., pituitary adenoma), and (3) invasion by high-grade intracranial tumors (e.g., glioblastoma).
• Provided examples of specific neuropathologic entities for each mechanism.

Conclusions:

• Neuropathologic entities are rare but important considerations in sinonasal pathology.
• Surgical pathologists should include these entities in their differential diagnoses for unusual sinonasal lesions to ensure accurate diagnosis and patient management.