Osteogenic Sarcoma of the Frontal Sinus

Abstract

Although osteogenic sarcoma occurs in the head and neck, it is almost exclusively limited to the maxilla and the mandible. Single, rare cases of this tumor in other facial bones are mentioned in foreign reports, but a discussion in the English literature has not come to our attention. The case history of a 58-year-old woman with a nonspecific frontal sinus pain and right-sided proptosis is presented. Plain radiographs of the paranasal sinuses revealed a radiopaque, calcific mass in the right frontal sinus approximately 3 × 5 cm in diameter. It was noted that the mass had an “onionskin” lamination. Laminography aided in the exact localization of the mass; further, it was noted on arteriography that the frontal sinus mass did not invade the dura. A frozen section biopsy at the time of craniotomy suggested a benign histologic lesion. However, subsequent review of permanent sections showed findings typical of an osteogenic sarcoma. The patient was treated with irradiation and in the first postoperative year has done well.