Sinonasal carcinomas: epidemiology, pathology, and management

Abstract

Sinonasal carcinomas are uncommon neoplasms accounting for approximately 3% to 5% of all upper respiratory tract malignancies. Sinonasal malignancies in most cases do not cause early symptoms and present in an advanced stage of disease. Exact staging necessitates a clinical and endoscopic examination with biopsy and imaging. Tumor resection using an open or endoscopic approach is usually considered the first treatment option. In general, sinonasal carcinomas are radiosensitive, so adjuvant or neoadjuvant radiation treatment may be indicated in advanced disease. Multidisciplinary surgical and medical oncologic approaches, including ablation and reconstruction, have enhanced the survival outcome over the past few decades.