Carcinoma de maxilar superior: reporte de caso

Abstract

Carcinoma of the upper jaw represents one of the least common cancers with an incidence of 0.5 and 1.1 cases per year per 100,000 inhabitants, predominantly affecting males. The clinical presentation is dominated by facial pain, followed by unilateral nasal discharge, tumor in the hemiface, tumor in the nasal cavity, and/or ocular symptomatology. The biopsy is of decisive diagnostic importance, especially in this area where tumor variability is very rare. The case of a young adult patient with a history of two odontomas in the hard palate’s anterior region is presented. Three years ago, the patient presented with a mass between the odontomas. He underwent surgery to remove it. Months later, he presented the formation of new tumors in the same location and progressive growth. Physical examination and complementary tests such as panoramic X-ray, computed tomography, and biopsy were performed. The biopsy reported squamous cell carcinoma of the upper jaw with immunohistochemistry technique. He was treated surgically with a midline maxillectomy and chemotherapy in six sessions, with good tolerance and adequate response to treatment. He is currently in remission and undergoing quarterly follow-up with a clinical oncologist. Carcinoma of the upper jaw occurs rarely, and its prognosis is always poor. Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Treatment is surgical, accompanied by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.