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Poorly Differentiated Non-keratinizing Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Masquerading as Chronic Sinusitis: A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is a rare malignant tumor of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can delay diagnosis. We report a case of a 50-year-old woman with a poorly differentiated non-keratinizing SNSCC of the left maxillary sinus, initially misdiagnosed as chronic sinusitis for one year. She presented with progressive nasal obstruction and facial pain. Imaging revealed an aggressive maxillary sinus lesion with bony destruction, and an initial biopsy suggested sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma. The patient underwent left maxillectomy with selective neck dissection; final histopathology confirmed poorly differentiated non-keratinizing SNSCC with lymphovascular invasion but no nodal metastasis. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and adjuvant radiotherapy was planned. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of SNSCC and highlights a key clinical lesson that persistent sinus symptoms unresponsive to medical therapy should raise suspicion for malignancy. Early recognition, comprehensive evaluation, and multidisciplinary management are essential for optimal outcomes in patients with aggressive sinonasal tumors.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.96865

Authors: Yoseph M Habte, Binyam M Habte, Esimael M Abdu, Biruk T Wubneh, Shimelis A Yimer

Institutions: Ethio Tebib Hospital, All Africa Leprosy Tuberculosis and Rehabilitation Training Centre, Addis Ababa University, University of Gondar

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Surgical Oncology

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4416253128