Verrucous carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses: case report and clinical update

BACKGROUND: Verrucous carcinoma is a low-grade malignancy that has been reported to occur in all anatomic sites of the head and neck. Fourteen cases of verrucous carcinoma of paranasal sinus origin have been reported to date in the English literature. METHODS: Case report and retrospective review of all cases of verrucous carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses in the English literature. All authors were contacted to provide missing data and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Five of the eight authors contacted responded, and the most current data from all 15 cases was compiled. Eleven of the 15 patients (73%) were men and ranged in age from 35 to 81 years (median, 68 years). The maxillary sinus is the most common paranasal sinus involved (93%). Presentation often occurred late, with 12 of 15 (80%) initially being seen at stage T3 or higher. Surgical excision was the treatment of choice, and median disease-free survival was 54 months. CONCLUSIONS: Verrucous carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses is a rare but potentially curable disease. Treatment is surgical, and prognosis is good with early intervention.