Malignant mucosal melanoma of the paranasal sinuses: Two case presentations

World J Clin Oncol. 2011 Oct 10;2(10):344-7. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v2.i10.344.

Abstract

Primary mucosal melanoma of the paranasal sinuses is a rare tumor of the head and neck which can be a devastating disease. Cancers arising in the sinonasal cavity are extremely rare, with a poor survival rate. There is inherent difficulty in diagnosing these lesions due to their complex anatomic locations and symptoms which are often confused with more common benign processes. The primary treatment of this rare disease process is resection, except in advanced stages where surgical resection is not an option. Diagnostic accuracy in consideration of size, location, and presence of metastatic disease of these malignant tumors tailors individual patients to different management in order to achieve the longest possible survival.

Keywords: Chronic epistaxis; Mucosal melanoma; Paranasal melanoma; Sinonasal cancer.