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Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ethmoid sinuses treated with radiotherapy alone
P W Flavahan1, J Keir, V Srinivasan
1Ophthalmology Department, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. paulflavahan@doctors.net.uk
Objective:
We present the first report of a case of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses treated successfully with radiotherapy alone.
Method:
A case report and literature review are presented.
Results:
Fewer than 50 cases of paranasal sinus neuroendocrine carcinoma have been reported. We present an 82-year-old man referred with recurrent epistaxis. He was investigated by biopsy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and was found to have a rare neuroendocrine carcinoma. He declined any surgery or chemotherapy but consented to radiotherapy. Thirty months later, he remained clinically free from cancer.
Conclusion:
There is no consensus for the management of paranasal sinus neuroendocrine carcinoma. Most cases are treated with surgery with or without chemoradiotherapy. This case shows that radiotherapy alone may be a viable treatment option for some cases.