Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule and anterior nasal passages

Abstract

Purpose: This retrospective review of nasal vestibule and anterior nasal cavity squamous cell carcinomas correlates clinical presentation, methods of treatment, and histologic differentiation with outcome. Patlents and Materlals: Epidemiologic data, patient history, and physical findings for 25 cases are presented. Cigarette usage was prevalent in this group, as it is in most series of patients with epithelial tumors of head and neck locations. Treatment was surgery alone (n = 10), irradiation (n = 4), or combined therapy (n = 11). Results: Combined surgery and postoperative irradiation yielded better recurrence-free survival than either treatment used alone. Concluslons: Although the series studied was small and the selection criteria for treatment were not uniform, this retrospective study supports wide surgical resection combined with postoperative irradiation as the preferred treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule with extension to adjacent areas. However, tratment should be individualized to provide the greatest chance for cure while preserving nasal form and function as far as is possible in each patient.