Surgical Management of Benign Sinonasal Masses

A diverse group of pathologic findings requires surgical excision from the sinonasal tract. Symptoms directly related to pathologic findings, pending complications and the possibility or suspicion of malignancy, should be the cornerstones of surgical decision making. The management of benign sinonasal masses should follow a balanced algorithm to weigh the need for resection against the adverse effects of surgical removal. Endoscopic approaches have become the primary modality by which most benign masses of the nasal cavity and sinuses are managed. This article describes an aggressive surgical approach to these lesions while maintaining respect for their benign nature and the importance of preserving natural barriers to growth (spread), such as the dura and periorbita.