Early detection and diagnosis

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 101 views

Profile of Sinonasal Malignant Tumor Patients in the ENT -KL Department of H. Adam Malik Hospital in Medan in 2010 - 2015

Introduction

Sinonasal malignant tumors are a type of cancer that affects the nasal area and paranasal sinuses, accounting for approximately 3% of all malignancies in the head and neck region. Despite its relatively low incidence, this type of cancer has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, making it essential to understand the profile of patients with synonasal malignant tumors. This study aims to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with synonasal malignant tumors at the ENT-KL Department of H. Adam Malik Hospital in Medan, Indonesia, between 2010 and 2015.

Methodology

This descriptive study analyzed data from 112 patients diagnosed with synonasal malignant tumors during the specified period. The data collected included demographic information, clinical presentation, histopathological characteristics, and treatment outcomes. The results were analyzed to identify patterns and trends in the profile of patients with synonasal malignant tumors.

Results

The results of this study showed that the most common symptoms reported by patients were nasal congestion, experienced by 60% of patients. The majority of patients (51%) reported the main symptoms for less than six months, indicating a relatively short duration of symptoms before diagnosis. The location of the most common tumor found was the maxillary sinus, which accounted for 70% of cases. In terms of histopathology, the most common type of tumor was non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, which appeared in 48% of the total sample.

The size of the tumor was classified as T4 in 39% of cases, indicating a large tumor size. The status of lymph nodes was declared as N0 in 84% of patients, indicating no involvement of lymph nodes. The most common surgical technique used was medial maxillectomy, which was applied to 65% of patients.

Discussion

The results of this study provide valuable insights into the profile of patients with synonasal malignant tumors. The high incidence of nasal congestion as a symptom suggests that patients may initially present with non-specific symptoms, making early diagnosis challenging. The dominance of non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma as a histopathological type may indicate certain environmental or genetic factors that contribute to the development of this cancer.

The involvement of the maxillary sinus as the most common location of synonasal tumors highlights the importance of this area in the development of malignant tumors. The use of medial maxillectomy as a surgical technique is an effective procedure for removing tumors while maintaining the patient's nose and face function. However, the decision to conduct this surgery should be accompanied by a multidisciplinary approach, including consultation with oncologists and pathologists to determine the right treatment strategy.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive profile of patients with synonasal malignant tumors at the ENT-KL Department of H. Adam Malik Hospital in Medan, Indonesia, between 2010 and 2015. The results highlight the importance of early detection and diagnosis, as well as the need for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. A deeper understanding of the profile of patients with malignant synonasal tumors is expected to increase awareness of this disease, encourage early detection, and ultimately improve the patient's prognosis.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Early detection and diagnosis: Patients with nasal congestion or other non-specific symptoms should be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for further evaluation and diagnosis.
Multidisciplinary approach: Treatment of synonasal malignant tumors should involve a multidisciplinary team, including ENT specialists, oncologists, and pathologists, to determine the right treatment strategy.
Surgical technique: Medial maxillectomy is an effective surgical technique for removing tumors while maintaining the patient's nose and face function.
Post-operative care: Patients who undergo medial maxillectomy should receive post-operative care, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy, to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of 112 patients may not be representative of the larger population of patients with synonasal malignant tumors.
Limited data collection: The data collected was limited to demographic information, clinical presentation, histopathological characteristics, and treatment outcomes.
Single-center study: The study was conducted at a single hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the results.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Increase sample size: Larger sample sizes will provide more accurate and representative results.
Collect more data: Collecting more data, including genetic and environmental factors, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the profile of patients with synonasal malignant tumors.
Conduct multicenter studies: Conducting multicenter studies will increase the generalizability of the results and provide a more accurate representation of the profile of patients with synonasal malignant tumors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sinonasal Malignant Tumors

Q: What is a sinonasal malignant tumor?

A: A sinonasal malignant tumor is a type of cancer that affects the nasal area and paranasal sinuses. It is a rare type of cancer, accounting for approximately 3% of all malignancies in the head and neck region.

Q: What are the symptoms of a sinonasal malignant tumor?

A: The most common symptoms of a sinonasal malignant tumor are nasal congestion, facial pain, and difficulty breathing. Patients may also experience non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

Q: What are the risk factors for developing a sinonasal malignant tumor?

A: The exact cause of sinonasal malignant tumors is still unknown, but several risk factors have been identified, including:

Exposure to radiation
Smoking
Occupational exposure to chemicals and dust
Genetic predisposition
Family history of cancer

Q: How is a sinonasal malignant tumor diagnosed?

A: Diagnosis of a sinonasal malignant tumor typically involves a combination of the following:

Physical examination
Imaging studies (e.g., CT or MRI scans)
Biopsy
Histopathological examination

Q: What are the treatment options for a sinonasal malignant tumor?

A: Treatment options for a sinonasal malignant tumor depend on the stage and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include:

Surgery (e.g., medial maxillectomy)
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy

Q: What is the prognosis for patients with a sinonasal malignant tumor?

A: The prognosis for patients with a sinonasal malignant tumor depends on the stage and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. In general, the prognosis is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 50%.

Q: Can a sinonasal malignant tumor be prevented?

A: While there is no surefire way to prevent a sinonasal malignant tumor, several measures can be taken to reduce the risk, including:

Avoiding exposure to radiation and chemicals
Quitting smoking
Avoiding occupational exposure to dust and chemicals
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle
Getting regular check-ups and screenings

Q: What is the role of a multidisciplinary team in treating a sinonasal malignant tumor?

A: A multidisciplinary team, including ENT specialists, oncologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals, plays a crucial role in treating a sinonasal malignant tumor. This team works together to determine the best treatment plan for the patient, which may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other treatments.

Q: What is the importance of early detection and diagnosis in treating a sinonasal malignant tumor?

A: Early detection and diagnosis are critical in treating a sinonasal malignant tumor. The earlier the tumor is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and improved prognosis.

Q: What are the potential complications of a sinonasal malignant tumor?

A: Potential complications of a sinonasal malignant tumor include:

Facial deformity
Nasal obstruction
Sinusitis
Meningitis
Brain metastasis

Q: How can patients with a sinonasal malignant tumor manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life?

A: Patients with a sinonasal malignant tumor can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life by:

Following their treatment plan
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle
Getting regular check-ups and screenings
Participating in support groups and counseling
Seeking help from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.