Results of Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Maxillary Sinus: A 26-Year Experience

BACKGROUND: Five-year survival in squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary antrum is low. This article examines the results of various approaches to treatment as given in our hospital in past 26 years. METHODS: From 1979 to 2005, 379 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary antrum managed with curative intent were studied. Twenty-eight patients had T2, 237 patients had T3, and 114 had T4 tumors. The N classification was N0 in 316 patients, N1 in 21 patients, N2a in 28 patients and N2b in 14 patients. Treatment to the primary site comprised of surgery (Sx) and radiation therapy (RT) in 284 patients, RT alone in 57 patients and chemotherapy (CTx) with radiotherapy in 38 patients. RESULTS: There was a difference in survival between patients who underwent Sx with RT compared with patients who received RT alone or CTx with RT. The most common pattern of recurrence was in the primary site, 187 (49.3%) patients. Local control at 3 and 5 years was 71% and 63.8% respectively in Sx with RT, 31.6% and 28% respectively in RT, and 28.9% and 26% in CTx with RT group. CONCLUSIONS: The type of treatment to the primary site is an important determinant of survival and local control. Surgery with radiation is a better treatment option.