Magnetic resonance imaging of sinonasal malignancies.

Overview

OBJECTIVES: To discuss common sinonasal malignancies with emphasis on squamous cell carcinoma and describe preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging evaluation for these lesions. METHODS: Literature and institutional review. RESULTS: Because of the large variety of the normal cell population, a variety of malignant neoplasms may occur in the sinonasal tract. For a large number of reasons, they are often advanced at the time of diagnosis and are difficult to treat given the complex anatomy of the sinonasal region and its proximity to critical structures. Magnetic resonance imaging is a vital tool in the diagnosis of these lesions and is used in conjunction with computed tomography to precisely delineate the extent of these neoplasms. Involvement of the skull base, the orbits, the intracranial compartment, and potential perineural spread of tumor can influence treatment options. Magnetic resonance is essential to evaluate these tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance plays a vital role in the diagnosis of sinonasal neoplasms and is essential to accurately determine the precise extent of these tumors for treatment planning. It is also a useful tool in tumor surveillance.