Survival in sinonasal and middle ear malignancies: a population-based study using the SEER 1973-2015 database

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Head and Neck Cancer Research

Background:

• Sinonasal and middle ear malignancies are rare compared to other head and neck cancers.
• Population-based studies are crucial for understanding survival factors in these rare cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze demographic, treatment, and survival data for sinonasal and middle ear malignancies.
• To identify factors influencing survival in patients with these rare head and neck cancers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Survival, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1973-2015).
• Analyzed data on demographics, treatment, stage, primary site, and histopathology.
• Employed Kaplan-Meier analysis for survival assessment.

Main Results:

• 13,992 cases identified; majority patients aged 50-80.
• Overall 5-, 10-, and 20-year survival rates were 45.7%, 32.2%, and 16.4%.
• Age, race, sex, stage, primary site, treatment, and tumor grade significantly predicted survival.

Conclusions:

• Sinonasal and middle ear cancers have relatively low survival rates.
• Advanced stage, higher tumor grade, and non-surgical treatment correlate with poorer survival.
• Surgical treatment, demographics, primary site, and histopathology are key determinants of survival.