Recurrent Cancer Chemotherapy is given if there is a recurrence in the original area following surgery or radiotherapy or if there are distant metastases. Chemotherapy is promising, and may sometimes offer effective palliation, improved quality of life and improved survival for patients who respond.
• Maxillary sinus: Radiotherapy, or extensive surgery followed by radiotherapy.
• Ethmoid sinus: After limited surgery, extensive surgery, radiotherapy or both.
• Sphenoid sinus: Radiotherapy. If unsuccessful, chemotherapy.
• Nasal cavity: If it recurs after radiotherapy, extensive surgery. If it recurs after surgery, radiotherapy. If
recurrent after both, then chemotherapy.
• Inverting papilloma: Same as previous stages.
• Melanomas and sarcomas: Surgery if possible and chemotherapy directed at the specific cell type.
• Nasal vestibule: If radiotherapy fails, surgery is appropriate. If surgery fails, radiotherapy or a combination of
further surgery and radiotherapy. If these fail, chemotherapy may be given.
For maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus and nasal tumors, clinical trials using chemotherapy should be considered.
