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Neuroendocrine tumor G1 in sphenoid sinuses: A case report
Seito Fukagawa1, Shiho Asami1, Masashi Sugasawa2
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.
Radiology Case Reports
|August 5, 2025
Summary
This study reports a rare case of a low-grade neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in the paranasal sinus. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values may help predict tumor grade in these uncommon sinonasal NETs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare in the paranasal sinuses, with limited data on imaging characteristics.
- Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the paranasal sinuses are particularly uncommon, making comprehensive imaging reports scarce.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old woman presented with an incidentally discovered sphenoid sinus mass.
- CT and MRI revealed a heterogeneous, enhancing sphenoid sinus mass with bone destruction and invasion into the sella turcica.
- The mass displaced the pituitary gland; ADC values were measured at 0.796 (average) and 0.601 (minimum) × 10-3 mm2/s.
Findings:
- Histopathological diagnosis confirmed a low-grade (G1) neuroendocrine tumor.
- The patient received radiation therapy due to surgical non-feasibility and showed no progression over 10 years.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values may correlate with tumor grade, similar to gastrointestinal NETs.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare sinonasal neuroendocrine tumors.
- ADC values show potential as a non-invasive biomarker for grading paranasal sinus NETs.
- Long-term follow-up demonstrates the efficacy of radiation therapy for unresectable sinonasal NETs.
