CT diagnosis and differential diagnosis for uncommon neoplasms of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity

Objective To investigate CT features of uncommon neoplasms of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity for heightening the level of diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the CT manifestations of 22 patients, including 16 men and 6 women with age range from 18 to 92 yeas old(average 48.8 years old). GE/CTI scanner was used. All the patients underwent supine axial and prone coronal examination of the sinonasal cavity, conventionally including the structures from the hard palate to frontal sinuses. The thickness was 4-5 mm, interval was 5 mm, 120 kV,230 mAs. All the patients had plain scanning and 6 with IV contrast medium. All cases of uncommon neoplasms were confirmed by pathology of puncture or operation. Results Of the 6 inverted papilloma,3 arose from the lateral wall of unilateral middle meatus,1 filled unilateral middle meatus and maxillary sinus, and 2 were localized in maxillary sinuses. The surface configuration of the tumors was lobulated, and 2 cases showed bony absorption of the middle turbinate or the maxillary sinus. Of the 6 lymphomas, 4 were T cell lymphomas, mainly located in anterior part of unilateral nasal cavity, extended to nasal vestibule or outer nasal soft tissue.2 B cell lymphomas were localized in maxillary sinuses, having a wide involvement of adjacent tissues, accompanied by enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Other uncommon neoplasms were mostly malignant, extensively infiltrating neighboring structures, and often had obvious bony erosion. Conclusion There are many kinds of neoplasms in nasal cavity and sinuses. CT can show their location, form, extent and bony changes and have certain values for the diagnosis and staging of the uncommon neoplasms.