Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumors are defined as epithelial neoplasms with predominant neuroendocrine differentiation. They can occur in almost any organ of the body. The nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are a rare site of neuroendocrine carcinoma. Recurrences are frequent, and prognosis is poor. The difficulty of pathological diagnosis and the rarity of this malignancy have hampered progress in understanding the clinical course and improving outcomes. We report a rare case of a neuroendocrine tumor of the nasal cavity and ethmoidal sinuses with invasion of the orbit in a 35-year-old male patient. The literature is reviewed and aetiopathogenic theories, diagnostic procedures and surgical approaches are discussed.