Maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma with extension to orbit: A case report

Purpose: Squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary sinus is a rare highly aggressive pathology and may invade the surrounding tissues and other sinuses. It presents with various non-specific signs and symptoms which may lead to delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes. Methods: A 50 year-old-male presented to our clinic with loss of vision, proptosis of his right eye and mild swelling within 10 days prior to admission. He noted that he had a mild pain in right eye, nasal obstruction and rhinitis starting about one month previously. The intraoral examination didn’t reveal any oral ulcers or teeth involvement. CT scan study revealed a lesion with extension to the orbital cavity destroying inferior and medial walls of the orbit highly suggestive of maxillary squamous cell carcinoma with extension to orbit. Results: Biopsy revealed well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with necrosis. The patient underwent maxillectomy and total orbital exenteration. Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary sinus usually manifests with non-significant and nonbothersome symptoms and it is usually ignored and not diagnosed until late progressive stages of the disease and causes morbidity and mortality. Strict evaluation and removal of the primary tumor is essential to prevent it extending to other parts.