Extension of nasal and paranasal sinus malignancies on the basis of computed tomography

INTRODUCTION: Location and extension of tumour are crucial for results of treatment and prognosis in patients with nasal and paranasal sinus malignancies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the site and extension of nasal and paranasal sinus malignancies using computed tomography (CT). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The group included 124 patients aged 5-83 years. Biopsy confirmed malignant neoplasm in all the patients. Surgery was performed in 92 patients, for 32 inoperable patients palliation was applied. RESULTS: CT revealed that the most common (just above 70%) tumour sites were the nasal cavity, maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. The most common (about 50%) extrasinusal involvements were the orbit, subcutaneous cheek tissue and infratemporal fossa. Only 24.2% of patients had tumour limited to the nose and sinuses. CONCLUSIONS: CT well demonstrates extension of nasal and paranasal sinus malignancies. Vast majority of patients (75.8%) present with tumour extended beyond sinuses.