Program Operations Manual System (POMS)
TN 33 (08-20)
COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES INFORMATION
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SINONASAL CANCER
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ALTERNATE NAMES
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Sinonasal Malignancy; Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma; SNUC; Highly Aggressive
Undifferentiated Carcinoma of the Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses
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DESCRIPTION
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Sinonasal Cancer is a rare aggressive cancer of the nasal cavity or the paranasal
sinuses that mostly occurs in older individuals (over 55 years). This cancer is often
confused with other poorly differentiated carcinomas that begin in the sinonasal tract.
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DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, PHYSICAL FINDINGS, AND
ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM
CODING
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Diagnostic testing: The following tests are used to diagnos SNUC:
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Immunohistochemistry of biopsy;
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Molecular biologic studies.
Physical findings: Physical findings may include:
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A mass on the nasal cavity;
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Nasal discharge (bloody or runny nose);
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Difficulty breathing through the nasal cavity;
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Pressure in the mid-face;
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Double vision (diplopia);
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Proptosis (forward displacement of the eye);
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Eye papilledema (swelling of the optic disc).
ICD-9: 160.0 – 160.9
ICD-10: C30.0
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PROGRESSION
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People with sinonasal malignancy usually present with advanced stage tumors following
a rapid onset of symptoms. The prognosis of SNUC is poor once the cancer invades the
skull and brain. Survival after treatment with chemotherapy and radiation is generally
less than one year.
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TREATMENT
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By the time this type of cancer is diagnosed, the tumor is usually clinically advanced
and surgically unresectable. Treatment for sinonasal cancers involves multimodal therapy
including surgical resection, and adjuvant therapy (i.e. chemotherapy, and radiation).
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SUGGESTED PROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT*
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Suggested MER for Evaluation:
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Clinical history and examination that describes the diagnostic features of the impairment;
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Pathology report documenting type and stage of tumor;
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Suggested Listings for
Evaluation: |
DETERMINATION
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LISTING
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REMARKS
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Meets
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13.02 A, B,C, D, or E
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Listing level severity must be documented.
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Equals
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* Adjudicators may, at their discretion, use the Medical Evidence of Record or the
listings suggested to evaluate the claim. However, the decision to allow or deny the
claim rests with the adjudicator.
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