Nonsquamous cell malignant neoplasms of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses

Nonsquamous cell malignant tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are an uncommon and diverse group of neoplasms. Our goal was to define the relative frequency and distribution of these neoplasms, as well as treatment and outcome.

This retrospective study analyzed 106 patients with nonsquamous cell malignant neoplasms of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses treated at our institution between 1966 and 1982.

Pathology included: salivary type carcinoma (33 patients); sarcoma (25 patients); melanoma (18 patients); esthesioneuroblastoma (11 patients); lymphoma (11 patients); and anaplastic cancer (9 patients). Most tumors arose in the nasal cavity (50%), followed by the antrum (39%), ethmoid sinus (9%), and frontal sinus (2%). Fifty-four percent of all patients were treated with surgery alone. Determinate 5-year and 10-year cure rates were: esthesioneuroblastoma, 70% and 50%; lymphoma, 45% and 30%; anaplastic, 33% and 25%; salivary, 31% and 18%; sarcoma, 25% and 21%; and melanoma, 19% and 0%.

Overall survival for patients with nonsquamous cell malignant neoplasms of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is poor, particularly with follow-up extended to 10 years. Local recurrence is the major source of treatment failure. We were unable to demonstrate any survival advantage in the group of patients who received surgery and radiotherapy in combination.