Primary carcinoma of the frontal sinus: a case report and a review of literature

Paranasal sinus cancer is rather rare, with an incidence of less than 1 per 100,000 per year, the frontal sinus being the primary site in only 0.3%. Following clinical and radiological examinations, the diagnosis often remains elusive, the condition mistakenly being considered to involve mucocele, pyocele or osteomyelitis. This article reports on a 60-year-old pigeon breeder with squamous cell carcinoma originating in the frontal sinus. The presenting symptoms were a gradually worsening sharp headache, double vision and an oedematous left eyelid. CT and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated erosion of the orbital roof around an area 10 mm in diameter, without direct infiltration of the bulbus. Twelve months following a frontal craniotomy, tumour excision and postoperative radiotherapy, the patient is symptom-free. A detailed description of this patient and a review of the published work are presented.