Preservation of Eye in Carcinoma of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses – A Critical Review

Abstract

Background: Tumor invasion into the orbit by carcinoma is well known and its negative impact on the survival and quality of life has been discussed in the literature. Methods: This article is a narrative review on the preservation of eye in the management of cancers of the nose and paranasal region. Conclusions: The clinical features and modern imaging can help in preoperative planning, aided by the intraoperative assessment in decision-making to preserve the eye or not. Unlike in the past, when even orbital periosteum involvement was considered for orbital sacrifice, more conservative approach has been advocated in recent years in view of anatomic, radiological, and histological studies. Limited involvement of the periorbita or even the small part of intraorbital fat may still be considered for the preservation of the eye in selected patients with frozen section control and without affecting the oncologic outcome.