This case report describes a metastatic small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNC) of the right maxillary sinus, which first manifested as atypical low back pain. Due to the rarity of this localization, specific therapeutic recommendations for SCNC of paranasal sinuses are still lacking. Current treatment modalities are extrapolated based on similar tumors of pulmonary origin. This contribution comprises a case description, along with a review of clinical presentations, imaging characteristics, and treatments available to date. This article will eventually end with a series of practical recommendations.
Key Words
Small cell neuroendrocrine carcinoma, paranasal sinus, extra-pulmonary, metastatic
What is already known about the topic?
1. CNPC localization at the paranasal sinus level is rare, with less than 100 cases described in the literature
2. The CNPC of paranasal sinuses is associated with a poor prognosis due to rapid expansion, frequent relapses, and distant metastases
3. The current treatment is extrapolated based on CNPCs of pulmonary origin
What does this article bring up for us?
1. CNPC treatment of non-metastatic paranasal sinuses consists of chemotherapy (cisplatin-VP16) followed by radiotherapy or surgery, as appropriate
2. CNPC treatment of metastatic paranasal sinuses consists of chemotherapy (cisplatin-VP16), as well as palliative radiotherapy, if possible
3. The CNPC of paranasal sinuses may manifest as atypical symptoms, such as low back pain due to metastases