Tumor Spread from Nasal Fossa

Epidemiology

Cancers in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are uncommon. Taken as a group, nasal cancers account for 24% of malignancies, whereas paranasal sinus cancers make up 76%. Together these tumors account for < 1 per 100,000 population or < 5% of all body tumors. These tumors are more common in men and are found mainly in patients > 40 years of age.

Pathology

Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for > 80% of all malignant tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The others include undifferentiated carcinoma, lymphoma, and tumors of salivary gland origin such as adenocystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Adenoid cystic carcinoma originating in the nasal cavity is rare. Most nasal tumors present late and the exact site of origin is often difficult to determine.

Clinical Findings

Tumors usually present late with symptoms of nasal obstruction. The tumor may be seen extending through the nostrils or the hard palate. Tumor extension through the sphenopalatine foramen may result in perineural infiltration of CN V₂