Primary Small Cell Carcinoma in Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses: 15 Cases From a Single Center

Abstract

Small cell carcinoma (SCC) in the nasal cavity and sinuses is extremely rare. The clinical data of 15 patients with primary SCC in nasal cavity and sinuses were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Of the 15 patients, 2 patients are alive for more than 6 years, and 5 patients died after the median follow-up period (11 months). Most of our patients represent the later stage (73% presented at stage III or IV) and had surgery combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy; however, nearly half of patients have tumor recurrence and/or distant metastasis. SCC of nasal cavity and sinuses often invades surrounding tissues, and the long-term curative rate is generally low. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment are key to improve survival. Although the overall survival time of SCC is not optimistic, it is still recommended that patients take comprehensive treatment.