[Classification and documentation of malignoma of the inner nose and paranasal sinuses]

In the fourth edition of the UICC guidelines for TNM classification (valid since January 1st, 1987), the organ "maxillary sinus" has been indicated for the first time within the category "head and neck". This decision made by UICC to consider the maxillary sinus alone is insufficient and contradictory--the reasons are discussed. The AO (Working Group for Clinical Oncology)/ORL will therefore maintain its classification considering the functional unity of the organ "inner nose and paranasal sinuses", which has proved its great worth in 1363 cases treated during the period from 1972 through 1987. There is no reason to abandon the classification of malignomas of the inner nose and the paranasal sinuses and to replace it by a UICC guideline only valid for carcinomas of the maxillary sinus which cannot convince. The practicability of classification and documentation has certainly be improved since the introduction of organ-specific questionnaires (first ascertainment, subsequent ascertainment).