Clinico-pathological Characteristic of Orbito-naso-cranial Communicating Lesions

Abstract Objective: This study aims to comprehensively analyze of orbito-naso-cranial communicating lesions to elucidate clinical manifestations, pathological classification, and specific lesion sites. The findings will enhance the diagnosis and preoperative evaluation of orbito-naso-cranial communicating lesions. Methods: The 74 patients were classified into three groups based on the involved locations: Group A (orbito-nasal), group B (orbitocranial), and group C (orbito-naso-cranial). The clinical characteristics, pathological classification, and variations in the involved sites among these three groups were subjected to statistical analysis. Results : Among the enrolled patients, 49 and 25 had benign and malignant lesions, respectively. Among benign lesions, neurogenic tumors (17 cases) constituted the largest proportion. Among malignant lesions, hematogenous (seven cases) and glandular (seven cases) tumors constituted the largest proportion. In the three groups, the malignant ratio in group C (55.6%, 10/18) was significantly higher than that in groups A (7.2%, 5/29) and B (37.0%, 10/27). The ethmoid sinus (35 cases) was the most prevalent site, including 24 benign and 11 malignant cases. Furthermore, there was greater invasion in the nasal cavity (28.0% vs. 0.0%, P =0.000) and anterior cranial fossa (40.0% vs. 8.2%, P =0.003) in malignant lesions than in benign lesions. Conclusions : There is a higher incidence of orbito-nasal communication and infiltration of the nose and anterior cranial fossa in malignant tumors compared to benign lesions. Level of Evidence: Level 4