CANCER OF THE NASAL CAVITY AND PARANASAL SINUSES – OUR EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Malignant rhinosinusal tumors (MRST) are less than 1% of malignant tumors of the body and 3% of head and neck cancers. We present a retrospective study of 326 cases of MRST. The aim of this paper is to present our experience in the management of malignant rhinosinusal tumors. Material and method The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examination of the tumors of the patients included in the study. The treatment protocol included surgery, radio and / or chemotherapy. The patients were followed up for a period of minimum five years. Results and Discussion Pathological examination shows that the carcinomas were encountered in the majority of cases (73,3%) being more frequently diagnosed than lymphomas (18,7%) , sarcomas (58%) and melanomas (1,8%). The majority of carcinoma cases were diagnosed in advanced stages (III and IV) - (57,5%). Methastasis in lymph nodes were present in 20% of the cases. The 5 years survival rate was low but in accordance with those presented in the medical literature. Conclusion MRST have recur locally quite frequently; lymph nodes metastasis were present but without any clinical manifestation in the majority of cases. In terms of histology, squamous carcinomas were found most frequently (70%). The prognosis is influenced by late diagnosis. Five years survival in advanced tumors is under 16 %.

Keywords

• paranasal sinuses
• malignant rhinosinusal tumors
• lymph nodes metastasis