OBJECTIVE: To describe a rare case of nonkeratinizing carcinoma of the sinonasal tract and review the literature on the nomenclature of its many synonyms.

METHODS:
Design: Case Report
Setting: Tertiary Referral Center
Patient: One

RESULTS: A 45-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of left nasal obstruction associated with epistaxis. Computed tomography revealed a mass expanding the left nasal cavity with the epicenter arising from the anterior ethmoidal air cells. Endoscopic resection of the tumor was carried out but as there was residual tumor, she then underwent endoscopic-assisted medial maxillectomy via a lateral rhinotomy. A subsequent computed tomography scan showed residual tumor adhering to the ipsilateral periorbita. The patient has so far declined intensity modulated radiotherapy that was advised though she is still under regular follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Nonkeratinizing carcinoma of the sinonasal tract is a rare entity and there are very few reports concerning this type of malignancy. This may be partly due to its many synonyms, such as cylindrical cell carcinoma, Schneiderian carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma. Nomenclature of this tumor should be standardized to avoid confusion and misdocumentation.