Combined Approach of the Anterior Skull Base in Sinonasal Tumours

Abstract

Malignancies of the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses are rare, counting for less than 3 % of the ENT-cancers. The insidious onset of these tumours with non-specific symptoms often leads to a delayed diagnostic. Advanced disease stage combined with the complex anatomy of the sinonasal cavities and anterior skull base encouraged surgeons to extend beyond the boundaries the classic surgical techniques. Surgical approaches to anterior skull base lesions can be divided into open approches: craniofacial, subcranial, endoscopic techniques or combined approaches when a craniotomy is associated with an endonasal endoscopic approach. The indication must take into consideration the oncologic principles, histopathology exam, extent of disease and surgeon skill and experience. Combined approach should be taken into consideration for patients with extended disease or significant intraorbital or intracranial extension. For certain tumours that require a craniotomy for the superior, superolateral, and anterior extensions of the disease and also a nasal and paranasal sinus tumor that could be removed endoscopically, an endoscopic-assisted approach can be considered.