Adenocarcinoma of the nose and paranasal sinuses: a retrospective study of diagnosis, histologic characteristics, and outcomes in 24 patients.

BACKGROUND Adenocarcinomas of the sinonasal cavity are unusual tumors with variable clinical courses. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review between 1980 and 2001. RESULTS Twenty-four patients (17 men) with sinonasal adenocarcinoma were identified. Nasal obstruction was the most common presenting symptom (75%), and the nose was the most common site of involvement (83%). Eleven tumors (46%) were high grade (grade 3 or 4). Twenty-three patients (95%) underwent an attempt at surgical excision with tumor recurrence or residual disease in seven. Age and tumor grade were associated with overall survival, and tumor grade and intracranial extension were associated with death from disease. CONCLUSIONS Presentation and treatment for nasal adenocarcinoma varies widely. Some low-grade variants of nasal adenocarcinomas seem to be associated with a more favorable prognosis and, depending on the extent of the tumor, can be treated with less-aggressive therapy.