Treatment policy for maxillary sinus carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Malignant tumors of the nose and paranasal sinuses are rare but aggressive, posing significant treatment challenges.
• Maxillary sinus malignancies represent the most frequent site, predominantly histologically classified as carcinoma.
• Treatment outcomes have historically varied, necessitating analysis of therapeutic modalities and survival rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To statistically analyze treatment outcomes and survival rates for malignant tumors of the nose and paranasal sinuses.
• To identify the most effective treatment strategies for maxillary sinus carcinoma.
• To recommend a staging system for improved comparison of survival data.

Main Methods:

• Statistical analysis of 908 cases treated between 1957 and 1974.
• Calculation of crude and relative survival rates for different treatment modalities.
• Evaluation of treatment efficacy based on tumor site, histology, and treatment period.

Main Results:

• Maxillary sinus carcinoma was the most common diagnosis (91.4%), with carcinoma being the predominant histology (92.4%).
• The overall 5-year relative survival rate for primary malignant tumors was 29.2%.
• Combination therapy of irradiation (Co-60 gamma-ray) and continuous intra-arterial infusion of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) demonstrated superior survival rates, particularly for maxillary sinus carcinoma.

Conclusions:

• The combination of irradiation and 5-FU intra-arterial infusion is the most effective treatment for maxillary sinus carcinoma.
• TNM staging is recommended for consistent comparison of survival rates in maxillary sinus carcinoma.
• Surgical intervention (maxillectomy) should be reserved for cases refractory to irradiation.