Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer

Nasal cavity and sinus anatomy is in close proximity to many vital structures including the brain, orbit, and carotid arteries. Tumors in this region typically present at later stages and carry a 5-year overall survival ranging from 35% to 60%. Incidence is less than 1 per 100,000 persons worldwide, 3-5% of all upper aerodigestive tract tumors, and 0.2% of all cancers. Due to proximity of different tissue types, malignancies of various cell types are found (epithelial, sarcomatous, leptomeningeal, neuroendocrine, etc.). In order to stage tumors in this region, pathology-based staging systems are used. Multimodality therapy is often utilized for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer treatment. The historical surgical approach to these tumors was open craniofacial resection, but there has been a transition to extended endonasal approaches without compromising and, in some cases improving, overall survival.