Sinus & Nasal Cavity Tumor Surgery

Tumors arising in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses — including the maxillary, ethmoid, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses — represent a complex group of neoplasms requiring specialized surgical expertise. Dr. Antony Raj James has specialized training in head and neck oncology and experience in the surgical management of sinonasal tumors, including both benign and malignant pathologies.

Types of Sinonasal Tumors

Tumors affecting the nasal cavity and sinuses may include:

• Malignant tumors – Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, esthesioneuroblastoma (olfactory neuroblastoma), sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC), and mucosal melanoma.
• Benign tumors – Inverted papilloma, juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, osteoma, and fibrous dysplasia.

Presenting Symptoms

Sinonasal tumors may present with nasal obstruction, epistaxis (nosebleeds), facial pain or swelling, visual changes, and in advanced cases, involvement of the orbit or skull base. Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical planning are important for optimal outcomes.

Surgical Approaches

The choice of surgical approach depends on the tumor type, extent, and location:

• Endoscopic (minimally invasive) resection – For selected benign and early malignant tumors, endoscopic or endoscopic-assisted approaches may be appropriate, offering reduced morbidity and faster recovery.
• Open surgical resection – Advanced tumors, particularly those involving the orbital walls, skull base, or requiring wide-field excision, are managed through open approaches such as lateral rhinotomy, midfacial degloving, or craniofacial resection.
• Maxillectomy – Tumors extensively involving the maxillary sinus may require partial or total maxillectomy with or without orbital preservation.

Reconstruction After Sinonasal Surgery

Reconstruction following resection of sinonasal tumors is planned to restore facial appearance, nasal airway function, and orbital support where applicable. Options include local flaps, regional pedicled flaps, and in selected cases, microvascular free flap reconstruction.

Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

Malignant sinonasal tumors frequently require combined modality treatment. Adjuvant radiotherapy, and in selected cases chemotherapy, may be recommended following surgery. Dr. James participates in multidisciplinary tumour-board discussions to integrate surgical findings with radiation oncology and medical oncology input.

Why Choose Dr. Antony Raj James?

• Specialized Head & Neck Oncology Training – MCh in Head & Neck Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital/ACTREC, Mumbai.
• Experience in Sinonasal Tumor Surgery – Surgical management of benign and malignant tumors of the nasal cavity and sinuses.
• Reconstructive Expertise – Restoration of form and function following sinonasal resection.
• Multidisciplinary Approach – Coordinated tumour-board-based management for malignant sinonasal tumors.