The controversy in the management of the N0 neck for squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2014 May;271(5):899-904. doi: 10.1007/s00405-013-2591-0. Epub 2013 Jun 20.

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the maxillary sinus is a relatively rare disease. As the reported incidence of regional metastasis varies widely, controversy exists as to whether or not the N0 classified neck should be treated electively. In this review, the data from published series are analyzed to decide on a recommendation of elective treatment of the neck in maxillary SCC. The published series consist of heterogeneous populations of different subsites of the paranasal sinuses, different histological types, different staging and treatment modalities used and different ways of reporting the results. These factors do not allow for recommendations based on high levels of evidence. Given this fact, the relatively high incidence rate of regional metastasis at presentation or in follow-up in the untreated N0 neck, and the relatively low toxicity of elective neck irradiation, such irradiation in SCC of the maxillary sinus should be considered.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / pathology*
  • Maxillary Sinus Neoplasms / pathology
  • Maxillary Sinus Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neck Dissection
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / therapy
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prognosis
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant