Dental considerations in diagnosis of maxillary sinus carcinoma: A patient series of 24 cases

Abstract

Background Maxillary sinus carcinoma is a rare entity with an incidence of 0.2% and a low patient survival rate due to the frequency of late diagnosis.

Methods In this multicenter, transversal, retrospective, observational study, the authors analyzed patients who had received a diagnosis of maxillary sinus carcinoma, registering their oral symptoms, histologic type, treatment efficacy, and survival rate.

Results Maxillary sinus carcinoma was diagnosed in 24 patients (15 men and 9 women), of which 75% were squamous cell carcinomas. All patients had dental mobility, and some had swelling, orosinus fistula, or some dental loss. Mean patient survival rate was 38.83 months.

Conclusions A history of pain or swelling of unknown origin, an unexplained widening of periodontal ligament space, or mobility of the teeth should be considered warning signs of maxillary sinus carcinoma.

Practical Implications Recognition of oral symptoms by the dentist would help in making an early diagnosis of maxillary sinus carcinoma, improving the patient’s chances of survival and quality of life.