Matheus Carneiro Leal Freitas1;
Marcelo Leandro Santana Cruz2
Ana Ester Silva Prates Carigé3;
Vitória Marques da Fonseca Morais1;
Tércio Guimarães Reis4

Abstract:

Introduction: Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNC) is an undifferentiated neoplasm that generally affects the lungs. Although rare, the presence of extrapulmonary sites – such as the head and neck region – has been described in the literature. In these sites, this neoplasm is marked by aggressive biological behavior and histopathological similarity to those of the pulmonary locus. Objective: This study aims to present the case of a patient with SCNC in the maxillary sinus, an uncommon site. Case report: A 51-year-old female patient, P.R.S., was admitted to a specialized Head and Neck Surgery service in the interior of Bahia, complaining of right-sided nasal obstruction, hyaline rhinorrhea and transient hyposmia for 6 months. Physical examination revealed a non-obstructive high septal deviation on the left and hypocolored mucosa. Rhinoscopy showed hypertrophied inferior turbinates and an irregular, hyperemic and hypervascularized tumor in the sphenopalatine recess.

Videonasofibroscopy confirmed the rhinoscopy findings. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an expansive formation compatible with a neoplastic lesion with an epicenter in the posterior part of the right nasal fossa and extension into the nasopharynx. Incisional biopsy of the lesion indicated a round and blue cell tumor and immunohistochemistry compatible with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. One month after the biopsy, the patient developed mild paresthesia in the right hemiface and epiphora. However, the patient was lost to follow-up.

Conclusion: SCNC is an uncommon pathology in the maxillary sinus, so it is pertinent to report the occurrences to aid future research and improve therapeutic choices, involving a multi-professional approach.

Keywords: Small Cell Carcinoma; Maxillary Sinus Neoplasm; Head and Neck
Cancer; Rare Disease; Case Report.