[Cystic adenoid carcinomas (cylindromas) and olfactory esthesio-neuromas of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses. Experience of the ORL Group of the National Federation of Cancer Centers].

In 1991, a retrospective study was conducted by the French Cancer Centers Group. It concerned 752 cancers of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses, among which 61 were adenoid cystic carcinomas and 64 esthesioneuroblastomas. Local aggressiveness and high metastatic potential of adenoid cystic carcinomas were confirmed: 27 local relapses, 26 metastases, overall 5-year survival rate at 55%. Concerning esthesioneuroblastomas, the 5-year survival rate was 56% for patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy (7/27 went through combined surgical approaches), and 26% for those treated with radiotherapy alone. Two main factors of poor prognosis can be emphasized: a) intracranial extension: 5-year survival rate at 18% vs 59%, b) immediate node metastases: 5-year survival rate at 11% vs 63%.