A lateral view of the paranasal sinuses is a side radiographic projection used to visualize frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses in profile. It helps detect sinusitis, air–fluid levels, mucosal thickening, polyps, and bony fractures. Performed with the head positioned laterally and the X‑ray beam directed horizontally, it complements other sinus views for comprehensive evaluation.

The standard X‑ray views for paranasal sinuses (PNS) are the Waters (occipitomental), Caldwell (occipitofrontal), and lateral views. Waters (head extended ~37°) best demonstrates maxillary sinuses; Caldwell (15° caudal beam) shows frontal and anterior ethmoid; lateral visualizes sphenoid and posterior ethmoid. A submentovertex (SMV) view may be added for sphenoid and frontal floor detail.

A lateral view X‑ray is a side-to-side projection where the X‑ray beam passes from one lateral aspect of the body to the other, producing an image perpendicular to frontal (AP/PA) views. It shows depth and relationships of bones and soft tissues, helps localize lesions, assess spinal or joint alignment, detect fractures, effusions or foreign bodies, and complements frontal views for accurate diagnosis.

Standard PNS (paranasal sinus) X‑ray series usually includes three views: Waters (occipitomental), Caldwell (occipitofrontal) and a lateral view. These three provide complementary visualization of maxillary, frontal, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses. Occasionally a submentovertical (SMV) or open‑mouth view is added for specific indications, but the routine series is three views overall.

A lateral view is a medical imaging projection taken from the side, with the X‑ray beam passing laterally across the body. It displays anatomical structures in profile, helping assess depth, alignment and relationships that are obscured on front‑to‑back views. Lateral views are commonly used for chest, spine, skull and joint imaging to localize lesions, evaluate vertebral alignment, and detect fluid or foreign bodies.

Another name for the PNS view is the occipitomental or Waters' view. It is a radiographic projection used to visualize the paranasal sinuses—especially the maxillary and frontal sinuses—by positioning the head to project sinus anatomy clearly. It’s commonly used to evaluate sinusitis, fractures, and other sinus pathology.