[Malignant nasosinusal melanomas. Review of the literature apropos of 12 cases]

Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol (Bord). 1997;118(3):155-61.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Malignant melanoma with primary onset in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses remains a scarcely encountered malignancy and we report 12 cases of our own experience from 1991. These mucosal melanomas occur mainly in the elderly and present most commonly as a one sided airway obstructive syndrome with often bleeding in the nasal cavity. No sex or race ratio is found. Histological examination of the surgical specimen has been made easier since the use of immunohistochemical studies. The original site of onset is commonly located at the inferior part of the nasal cavity but in many cases, it is noted several sites of tumor localization. Despite well conducted treatment the prognosis remains quite deceiving and significantly poor. In our study, the 4-year actuarial survival was 26%. The 5-year survival rate ranges in the literature from 10% to 40%. Short and long term follow-up show an important rate of recurrence (local and lymph node metastases as well as distant metastases). The insidious evolution of the malignancy usually happens during the first year. Computed tomography and MRI are essential in the evaluation of tumor extension. The treatment is based on the combination of surgery and radiotherapy: Surgery is practised first and must ensure sufficient excision of the tumor without minimal functional or aesthetic damage in this complex region. This surgery is based on surgical approaches to the midface known as Lateral rhinotomy and midfacial degloving. When there is cervical lymph node involvement at the time of diagnosis it is suitable to treat it, even in case of recurrence. Complementary high dose radiation is required to treat tumors which could not undergo surgery and also as adjuvant therapy after removal of the mass.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma* / diagnosis
  • Melanoma* / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Nose Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Nose Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Prognosis