[Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the maxilla].

INTRODUCTION

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) of minor salivary glands (MSG) is a rare low-grade malignant neoplasm accounting for less than 1% of all salivary gland tumors. It usually affects the palate and the base of the tongue, and more rarely the parotid gland. We report a very rare maxillary localization.

CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old male patient, without prior medical history, was referred to us for a painless gingival lesion of the right maxilla, extending from tooth 14 to 17, having appeared a few months before. The clinical examination was otherwise normal. Biopsy proved the diagnosis of HCCC. The CT scan revealed extension in maxillary sinus with bone osteolysis, and suspicion of cervical lymph nodes metastasis. The treatment was subtotal maxillectomy, cervical lymph node dissection, and postoperative radiotherapy because of incomplete bony resection.

DISCUSSION: HCCC localization in the maxilla is extremely rare. This tumor may recur. The risk of metastasis is low; it concerns mainly lymph nodes. There is no treatment protocol consensus because the tumor is rare. Nevertheless, a wide local excision, with or without postoperative radiotherapy, seems to be the gold standard treatment.