Isolated sphenoid sinus adenocarcinoma: a case report

Abstract

While solitary sphenoid sinus disease is uncommon, primary isolated sphenoid sinus carcinoma is extremely rare. We describe a case of isolated sphenoid sinus adenocarcinoma in a 68-year-old man. The patient presented with a persistent headache and with diplopia secondary to complete ophthalmoplegia. Paranasal sinus tomography showed a soft-tissue mass obliterating the sphenoid sinus and infiltrating the cavernous sinuses. The histological diagnosis on endoscopic intranasal biopsy was adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent radiotherapy, and his symptoms resolved. However, multiple bone metastases developed 6 months after he was diagnosed. This report is significant in that it presents a rare condition and highlights the features of primary sphenoid sinus lesions.