The topic of sinonasal cancer is unarguably an important one. Although it describes a less frequently occurring group of cancers within the head and neck subsite (3–5 per cent of all head and neck cancers, and 1 per cent of all malignant tumours), the associated morbidity and mortality from this disease is significant. A good understanding of this collection of diseases is therefore extremely important.
Sinonasal and Skull Base Malignancies is an offering from Springer Publications, which provides a detailed insight into the topic. Edited by two pre-eminent physicians from the USA, the book is presented in a compact, hardback and easy-to-digest manner. Divided into 12 chapters across 275 pages, the book covers a broad range of topics. Each chapter has been written by professionals who are well versed in their field. These authors mainly hail from the USA; there are, however, contributors from around the world also.
The first three chapters focus on the demographics and diagnosis of sinonasal and skull base malignancies. Of note, Chapter 1, on the subject of aetiology and epidemiology, provides the reader with an easy-to-understand and concise appraisal of the more common tumours in this region. Each tumour type has a passage dedicated to it, with an additional table allowing one to easily compare and contrast tumours. The chapter is also extremely well referenced.
The next four chapters, which will probably be of the most interest to our readership, are about surgical approaches (both endoscopic and open) and reconstructive options.
With regard to the endoscopic resection chapter, I did find the content engaging, with a helpful passage outlining the philosophies and principles of endoscopic oncological surgery. However, there were unfortunately no real-life examples or images available to help further illustrate the authors’ points (operative or radiological).
A similar fate unfortunately befell the chapter on open approaches. Although extremely well written, with helpful stepwise instructions on the different approaches, and with reference to the authors’ own caseload, unfortunately most of the referenced images were censored beyond recognition. I found this a great shame, especially with UK-ENT training generally offering only limited exposure to these approaches.
As a responsible reviewer, the journal did approach Springer regarding this perceived oversight; however, this was reported as being deliberate and with the editor's approval. In my opinion, this does affect my ability to recommend this book fully to our readership and to trainees especially.
Moving on, subsequent chapters align themselves to the non-surgical therapeutic options offered to these patients, with great chapters on radiotherapy, systemic and targeted treatments. As per the initial chapters, a similar pattern of outlining treatments by tumour type is delivered in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.
Chapters on the rarities of this disease and the complications of surgery are delivered towards the end of the book. One of the most enlightening chapters is on the supportive care for these patients, which outlines the possible effects on patients following successful treatment, and how issues such as swallowing, voice and lymphoedema are evaluated and managed. It is commendable that this chapter was included.
In all, the book is generally a great reference on a rare topic. I would not suggest that it be essential reading material for the general ENT trainee, but a book of this type would have a clear place at the local hospital reference library. My only concern with this edition is the over-censorship of clinical images, which I feel is detrimental to the value of the chapter concerned; however, if this could be remedied in subsequent editions, this would be a good book.
