Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Secondary extracranial meningiomas extending into the paranasal sinuses
Abstract:
Meningiomas are well-recognized tumors of the central nervous system. Extracranial meningiomas, secondarily extended into the paranasal sinuses, are rare tumors, comprising approximately 2% of all meningiomas. Extracranial meningiomas of the paranasal sinuses may present a diagnostic and the rapeutic challenge. We present a retrospective review comprising three cases and discuss the clinical presentation, imaging findings,diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options. The localizations included the frontal sinus, the ethmoid sinus, the sphenoid sinus and even the maxillary sinus. Complete surgical resection was achieved in one patient; meanwhile deliberate subtotal tumor resection was performed in the other cases in order to avoid severe neurological damage with sufficient tumor control.
Insights
Extracranial meningiomas invading paranasal sinuses are rare, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This review of three cases highlights clinical, imaging, and treatment considerations for these challenging tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
- Oncology
Background:
- Meningiomas are central nervous system tumors.
- Extracranial meningiomas extending into paranasal sinuses are rare (approx. 2% of all meningiomas).
Observation:
- This study reviews three cases of extracranial meningiomas involving the paranasal sinuses.
- Tumor sites included frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, and maxillary sinuses.
Findings:
- Clinical presentation, imaging, and diagnostic evaluations were analyzed.
- Treatment involved complete surgical resection in one case and subtotal resection in others to balance tumor control and neurological preservation.
Implications:
- Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach.
- Subtotal resection may be necessary to avoid neurological deficits.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies for these rare tumors.
Related Concept Videos
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Veins of Head and Neck
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...

