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Updated: May 26, 2026
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Identification of OTX1 and OTX2 As Two Possible Molecular Markers for Sinonasal Carcinomas and Olfactory Neuroblastomas
Published on: February 28, 2019
A multicenter study on occult lymph node metastases in sinonasal malignancies.
Christina Sauter1, Nina Wenda2, Miray-Su Yilmaz Topçuoğlu3
1Department of Otolaryngology, Augsburg University Hospital, University Hospital Augsburg, Sauerbruchstr. 6, 86179, Augsburg, Germany. christinasauter@outlook.de.
Scientific Reports
|May 24, 2026
Summary
For sinonasal malignancies, occult lymph node metastasis is rare (8.0%). While elective neck dissection (ND) is uncommon, its necessity should be assessed based on histology due to reduced survival in patients with metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Head and Neck Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Clinical Trial Design
Background:
- Head and neck carcinoma management often involves elective neck dissection (ND) or surveillance for node-negative patients.
- No established guidelines exist for sinonasal malignancies, creating treatment uncertainty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of occult lymph node metastasis in sinonasal malignancies.
- To evaluate the impact of elective ND on recurrence and survival rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, multicenter study of 438 patients with histologically confirmed sinonasal malignancy (2012-2022).
- Systematic collection and analysis of patient-, disease-, and therapy-specific factors.
- Therapeutic decisions guided by interdisciplinary head and neck tumor board recommendations.
Main Results:
- Occult metastases were found in 8.0% of clinically node-negative patients.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology was the sole pretherapeutic risk factor for metastasis (OR 6.10, p=0.019).
- Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) was significantly lower in patients with occult metastases (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Sinonasal malignancies present a relatively low risk of occult lymph node metastases.
- The low rate challenges the routine necessity of systematic elective ND.
- Elective ND indication requires critical evaluation, particularly considering tumor histology.
