Carcinoma of the ethmoid: results of treatment with conventional surgery and post-operative radiotherapy

Aims: A retrospective study was carried out of 50 patients with carcinoma o f the ethmoid, treated over a period of 20 years. Methods: The treatment used was surgery, followed by post-operative externa l beam radiotherapy and when possible supplemented by brachytherapy. Results: Although the nature of surgery in the majority of cases was conven tional, the 63% 5-year overall survival, except in adenocarcinomas, was sli ghtly better than that achieved by more aggressive surgery. There was no mo rtality and morbidity was minimal. Conclusions: Conventional surgery in combination with radiotherapy and brac hytherapy gives satisfactory and comparable results.