Computerized tomographic evaluation of tumors of the nasopharynx and maxillary sinus: potential impact on results of treatment.

A review of 23 consecutive patients with tumors of the nasopharynx and maxillary sinus seen over a two-year period was carried out. The purpose was to assess the value of computerized tomography (CT) in the definition of tumor extension to contiguous structures and its effect on treatment selection and management.CT was found to be very useful in detailing bone and soft-tissue invasion. In 11 of 15 patients with nasopharyngeal cancer and in the eight patients with maxillary sinus tumors, the selection of treatment and the techniques of irradiation were influenced by the CT findings.There is a high degree of accuracy in the evaluation to the nasopharynx and maxillary sinus by CT. This improvement in pretreatment assessment of the tumors enables adequate treatment to be offered. Since most of the failures of treatment are a result of local recurrence, improvement in local control is likely to result in improved survival.