Rhinosinusal Melanomas

Abstract

Purpose: Melanomas are malignant tumors that have a poor prognosis and surgical treatment is the best option when they are resectable. In this study we determined the incidence and survival what we achieved in our population of patients treated for melanomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Material and methods: The medical records of all patients diagnosed with rhinosinusal malignant tumors at the hospital Italiano of Buenos Aires from March 1999 to December 2020 were reviewed. Patients with melanomas were selected y and we determine its incidence within malignant rhinosinusal tumors. Clinical characteristics, location, type of treatment indicated, and results were analyzed. Results: Eight patients had melanomas, five located in the paranasal sinuses, two in the nasal cavity and one in nasal cavity and maxillary sinus. The incidence of melanomas in our population of patients with rhinosinusal malignant tumors was 11.11%. Three patients were treated with surgery and radiotherapy and three with surgery only. Two were treated with palliative criteria. In the six patients treated with curative intent, the local control and specific survival were 83.33%, and 66.66% respectively. The average follow up time was 30.99 months. Conclusions: The incidence of melanomas in our population of patients with rhinosinusal malignancies was 11.11%. In patients treated with curative intention, the local control rate was 83.33%, and disease-free survival was 66.66%. The more frequently failure pattern was the appearance of distant metastases. Endonasal surgery with endoscopes alone or associated with an external approach facilitated oncological resection.