Pre-operative chemoradiation for sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma of the anterior nasal cavity resected through a lateral nasal flap approach.

INTRODUCTION

Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is an exceedingly rare and aggressive tumor that carries a poor prognosis due to its non-specific presentation and advanced stage at time of diagnosis. Early detection and treatment are vital, with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery all being viable options. The literature is sparse and there is no consensus for optimal treatment. In surgical candidates, the otolaryngologist must have a vast skill set in order to resect the tumor with wide margins and reconstruct the defect in hopes of returning the patient to their pre-morbid state.

METHODS

A 74-year-old female presented with a growing left nasal mass which was biopsied and found to be a sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma originating from the anterior nasal cavity between the septum and upper lateral cartilage. The patient was treated with neo-adjuvant carboplatin with concurrent radiation, followed by resection through a lateral nasal flap. The defect was reconstructed with a contralateral septal hinge flap and septal cartilage graft with primary closure of the lateral nasal flap.

RESULTS

Intraoperatively, no skin or cartilage invasion was noted and as such, nasal skin was spared and utilized for primary closure. At a follow-up of 3 months, the patient had no evidence of recurrence and had a well healing repair site with satisfactory cosmesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the aggressive nature of SNUC tumors, neo-adjuvant chemo-radiation and surgical intervention with functionally and aesthetically minded reconstruction can provide patients with improved outcomes and decreased morbidity.