Publication

Abstract : Background. The purpose of this study was to analyze the oncologic and functional outcomes of the preserved eye in malignant sinonasal tumors with orbital involvement. Methods. In a retrospective study of 19 consecutive patients who underwent craniofacial resection or maxillectomy with preservation of orbital contents and adjuvant radiotherapy, the oncological outcome in terms of local recurrence and survival was analyzed. The functional outcome in the preserved eye was analyzed for the cases that did not recur in the orbit. Results.Nineteen patients were analyzed for their oncologic and functional outcomes. Fifteen patients underwent immediate reconstruction of the orbital support. Eight patients had local recurrences; 11 patients were disease free at the end of the follow-up. Squamous cell carcinoma has a high propensity for local recurrences (ie, 5 of 8 local recurrences were squamous cell carcinoma). Sixteen patients, in whom a satisfactory orbital tumor clearance was obtained, remained recurrence free in the orbit. All the preserved eyes retained adequate function after adjuvant radiotherapy. Conclusions. Adequate local control with preserved visual function can be obtained with surgery and adjuvant radiation in appropriately selected malignant sinonasal tumors with orbital involvement. The preserved eye, if reconstructed appropriately, maintains good overall function with acceptable morbidity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.