Globe preservation surgery for a paranasal tumor with orbital extension

Orbital exenteration is a rare radical procedure used for the treatment of locally invasive or potentially life threatening orbital tumors. The procedure results in significant visual and psychosocial disability. Recently there has been a shift toward a subtotal extenteration with maximum preservation of orbital tissue and globe in appropriate cases. We describe the management dilemma of a patient with orbital extension of a frontal sinus squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent combined craniofacial and transnasal macroscopic excision with globe preservation. Traditional approach for a sinus tumor that has invaded the orbit would be an exenteration. The favorable outcome of the case reported here raises the possibility of considering this approach more frequently.