A Case of Small Cell Carcinoma Originating in the Ethmoid Sinus

We report a case of primary small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the paranasal sinus, which is a rare clinical entity, originating in the right ethmoid sinus. A 45-year-old woman seen for right nasal obstruction was found in anterior rhinoscopy to have a hemorrhagic tumor in the right nasal cavity. Computed tomography (CT) showed swelling of the right ethmoidal mucosa. Nasal tumor biopsy yielded a diagnosis of SCC. She was treated with irradiation and four courses of chemotherapy using cisplatin and etoposide. To evaluate the therapeutic effect, she underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, judged to be Grade 3. No recurrence has been seen in the 15 months since initial treatment.