Malignant tumors requiring maxillectomy

J Craniofac Surg. 2000 Sep;11(5):418-29. doi: 10.1097/00001665-200011050-00003.

Abstract

Seventy cases with malignant tumors requiring maxillary resection in the past 10 years were reviewed, retrospectively. The primary site of tumor was adjacent skin in 53%, maxillary sinus or maxilla in 20%, palate and alveolar arch in 13%, lip and buccal mucosa in 13%, and mandible in 1% of the cases. The most common histopathological diagnoses was squamous cell carcinoma (54%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (20%). Most of the patients had advanced tumors, either neglected or recurred. Orbital exenteration was performed in 28 cases, mandibulectomy in six cases, combined craniofacial resection in seven cases, and radical neck dissection in 18 cases. Major skin loss was present in majority of the patients. Postsurgical defects were reconstructed with pedicled flaps in 37 cases and free flaps in 12 cases. Lining of the maxillary sinus defects was provided with split-thickness skin grafts. Patients with palatal defects were encouraged to use prosthetic obturators. Postoperative radiotherapy was performed in 32 patients and combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy in 12 patients. Communication could be established with only 52 patients. Sixty-three percent of them have survived without recurrence and distant metastasis. Resection of the tumor with free surgical margins and appropriate evaluation of the surgical defect for the most suitable reconstruction are the mainstays of treatment of the midfacial tumors.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Facial Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Lip Neoplasms / surgery
  • Male
  • Mandible / surgery
  • Mandibular Neoplasms / surgery
  • Maxilla / surgery*
  • Maxillary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Maxillary Sinus Neoplasms / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms / surgery
  • Neck Dissection
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Orbit Evisceration
  • Palatal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Palatal Obturators
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery
  • Skin Transplantation / methods
  • Surgical Flaps