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Diagnostic Imaging of Sinonasal Tumors

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Diagnostic Imaging in Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

The sinonasal tract is the site of origin for an enormous variety of neoplasms. Sinonasal neoplasms are broadly classified as either epithelial or mesenchymal. Among sinonasal malignancies, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for approximately 80%.

Approximately 25–60% of these carcinomas involve the maxillary antrum; however, the maxillary sinus is secondarily involved by direct extension in 80% of patients.

These cancers of the paranasal sinuses are clinically silent without apparent symptoms when small and, in nearly all cases, have already become large with invasion of surrounding organs at the time of the initial examination.

Diagnostic imaging is necessary for evaluating tumor location and extension. CT and MRI play complementary roles especially in the assessment and staging of these sinonasal malignancies. CT is superior to MR imaging for identifying bone involvement of thin walls and septa of the paranasal sinuses using multiplanar reconstruction. MR imaging offers soft tissue resolution, contrast, and multiplanar capabilities. In addition, MRI is helpful for tumor mapping and for distinguishing between tumor extension and obstruction. From these imaging findings, appropriate treatment planning including curability and functionality can be considered.

As other nonepithelial tumors, malignant lymphoma, mucosal malignant melanoma, and inverted papilloma also occur in the sinonasal cavities, and these tumors are differentiated from these carcinomas by diagnostic imaging.

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Abbreviations

ADC:

Apparent diffusion coefficient

SCC:

Squamous cell carcinoma

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Acknowledgment

I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Hiroshi Oba, Dr. Hiroya Ojiri, Dr. Masato Mochiki, and Dr. Ken Ito for their support from radiological and otolaryngological aspects.

Also, I am very grateful to Mr. Jonn Gelblum for his help with the translation and Ms. Yukiko Ishii for helping in the preparation of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, The Jikei University Daisan Hospital, Tokyo, Japan

    Keiko Toyoda

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  1. Department of Radiology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan

    Hiroya Ojiri

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Toyoda, K. (2020). Diagnostic Imaging of Sinonasal Tumors. In: Ojiri, H. (eds) Diagnostic Imaging in Head and Neck Cancer. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-3188-0_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-3188-0_7

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