[Surgical treatment of maxillary tumors].

OBJECTIVES

Tumors originating in the maxillary sinus are relativeLy rare. The aim of this article is to review the indications, diagnosis and treatment of patients with maxillary tumors operated at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center during the period 1999 - 2008.

METHODS

A total of 174 patients underwent surgery due to neoplasms originating in the maxillary sinus: 118 patients (68%) had malignant and 54 (32%) had benign tumors.

RESULTS

The most common malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma (40%), and the most common benign tumor was juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (36%). A total of 146 patients (84%) underwent partial maxillectomy and 28 (16%) total maxillectomy. In 9 cases, resection was extended to include the eye socket or base of skull, due to tumor invasion. Thirty-five patients had post-operative complications, with local wound infection being the most common complication (n = 12). Among patients with malignant tumors, 75 are alive without disease (67%), 12 (10%) are alive with disease and 31 (23%) died of disease or other causes.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical approach to malignancies of the maxilla is safe and effective. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential to deliver appropriate therapeutic means for these patients.