Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of nose and paranasal sinuses: A study of three cases with short review of the literature

Abstract

Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) of nose and paranasal sinuses is an extremely rare malignant tumour known for its aggressive clinical course, high rate of recurrence and poor prognosis. Only 69 cases have been reported in world literature till March, 2006. This tumour usually occurs in elderly persons with main complaints being nasal obstruction, epistaxis, loss of visual acuity, exophthalmos, local pain and rarely tender swelling over the sinuses. Computerized tomography scan (CT) is essential to assess the size, extent of the tumour, evidence of bone destruction and infiltration to orbit and brain. Due to its rarity, the understanding of pathogenesis of the disease, diagnosis and ideal treatment have been difficult. The origin of the tumour is believed from basal cells of the olfactory mucosa. The present study deals with three cases of SNECs of nose and paranasal sinuses in elderly males, their clinical presentations, CT scan findings, histopathological diagnosis with short review of literature. © 2009 Association of Otolaryngologists of India.