Malignant Ethmoid Sinus Tumor

Ethmoid sinus tumors are 2nd after maxillary sinus; mostly squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma; also sarcoma and malignant melanoma. Small volume, thin bony walls, close relation to orbit and anterior skull base, sometimes congenital bony dehiscence → easier spread. Early disease asymptomatic; symptoms appear when expanding to surrounding structures: orbital invasion → exophthalmos, impaired ocular movement, diplopia, visual disturbance; cribriform/dura invasion → worsening headache; nasal/other sinus extension → nasal obstruction, bloody mucopurulent discharge, olfactory disturbance; external extension → bulge at medial canthus/nasal root; late disease may coexist with other sinus cancers.

Common Symptoms

Diplopia; visual disturbance; olfactory disturbance

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Squamous cell carcinoma (epidermoid carcinoma): arises from stratified squamous epithelium; common at lid margin (skin-conjunctiva junction); more malignant than basal cell carcinoma; rapid growth, destructive. (2) Adenocarcinoma: salivary-gland epithelial malignancy; variable structure, no residual pleomorphic adenoma; ~9% of salivary epithelial tumors; high-grade salivary malignancy.

Treatment

Surgery, drug, rehabilitation therapy

Preventive Measures

No effective prevention; early diagnosis and treatment are key.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Surgical Oncology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.