Glandular Tumors of the Upper Respiratory Tract

Abstract

MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS of the nose and paranasal sinuses are relatively uncommon lesions comprising less than 1% of all malignancies and approximately 15% of all neoplasms of the upper respiratory tract. In all reported series, squamous cell carcinoma is by far the most frequent (80% to 90%).^1,2 Glandular and gland-like carcinomas comprise between 4% to 8% of malignancies of the sinonasal tract.³ Despite their relatively infrequent occurrence, the latter group of neoplasms pose special problems in diagnosis and treatment. This may be attributed to two principle factors: (1) few institutions have had any great experience in their management, and (2) obfuscation of the clinicopathological behavior by a minifying attitude of authors regarding histopathological study and proper classification. Emphasis in the past, particularly noted in the literature prior to 1930, has been centered on advocating or emphasizing a specific method or technique for treatment, regardless of the classification of the