Sinonasal malignancies in children: a 10-year, single-institutional review.

OBJECTIVES: Sinonasal malignancies in children are rare, histologically diverse tumors that present diagnostic and management challenges. The purpose of this study is to review the experience of a single cancer center in the management of pediatric sinonasal malignancies.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review.

METHODS: Retrospective chart review.

RESULTS: Forty-four patients were identified. The median age was 12 years (range: 2-17), 54% were female, and the maxillary sinus was the most common primary site. Facial swelling and pain were the most common presenting complaints. Thirty-four patients (76%) in this series had paranasal sinus sarcomas, three patients had esthesioneuroblastomas, and eight patients had carcinomas. The 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, and recurrence rate for the entire group was 71%, 81%, and 43%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric sinonasal malignancies are rare, locally aggressive tumors associated with nonspecific signs and symptoms. Multimodality treatment can result in 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rates of over 70%. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential to optimize outcomes and limit the morbidity of treatment.