Predictors of nodal metastasis in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma: A national cancer database analysis

OBJECTIVE: We present the largest population based study of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to identify risk factors for presentation with nodal metastasis. METHODS: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used for this study. Location codes corresponding to the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and histology codes representing SCC malignancy were queried. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with presentation with nodal metastasis. RESULTS: 6448 cases met inclusion criteria. Nodal metastasis at presentation was seen in 13.2% of patients, with the sinus subsite (19.3%) being a significant risk factor for nodal metastasis at presentation when compared to the nasal cavity (7.9%). Logistic regression analysis showed black, uninsured and Medicaid patients were more likely than white and privately insured patients, respectively, to present with nodal metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: In sinonasal SCC, the sinus subsite has a significantly increased risk of nodal metastasis compared to the nasal cavity. Black race, uninsured and Medicaid patients are more likely to have nodal metastasis at presentation.