“Maxillary sinus -a poisoned chalice “- clear cell odontogenic maxillary carcinoma- a case report

Abstract

Background: Malignant tumours in the nose and paranasal sinuses are challenging problems in the head and neck tumours. They represent the area of greatest histological diversity in the body with every tissue type represented. Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) is a rare neoplasm of the jaws and was first described by two separate groups of researchers, Hansen et al., and Waldron et al., in 1985

Case presentation: We report case of a male with right maxillary tumour. The patient presented with painful swelling over right side of face with mucopurulent nasal discharge on applying pressure over the swelling. The histopathology of specimen taken during total maxillectomy confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusion: In most cases of maxillary sinus tumours, the medial spread into nasal cavity is seen primarily followed by the superior spread through the infra-orbital canal or the inferior spread ,as a result of which nasal blockage ,epistaxis, mass or hyposmia are the most common presenting symptoms along with dental symptoms. It is a diagnostic challenge and clinicians should be aware of similar association as it may result in delayed treatment with fatal consequences. Also, Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma is a rare malignant odontogenic neoplasm with benign looking histology. The acknowledgment of this rare tumour and its distinction from other clear cell neoplasms is crucial in establishing the appropriate therapeutic plan.