Adenocarcinoma of the ethmoidal and nasal mucosa: lateral rhinotomy as a more conservative approach.

Malignant neoplasms of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are infrequent. In relation to salivary gland carcinomas of the naso-ethmoidal region and, due to its poor prognosis, a radical en bloc resection followed by radiotherapy is mandatory to control the disease. Surgically, naso-ethmoidal tumors must be managed by means of a combined craniofacial approach or using a lateral or total rhinotomy, a transpalatal or a transantral approach. We suggest the use of lateral rhinotomy for tumors of moderate size located homo-laterally, without involvement of the orbits, the cribriform plate, sphenoidal sinus or the clivus. A wide approach with minimal aesthetic and functional consequences is obtained by means of this method.