Primary Sinus Carcinoma Masquerading as Destructive Periodontitis: Report of a Case

Carcinomas of the maxillary sinus are uncommon and comprise 3% of all head and neck cancers, and 80% of all paranasal sinus cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor at this site, representing 60%–90% of the total cases. A case of occult carcinoma of the maxillary antrum with features of destructive periodontitis in a 48 year old female is presented. The case reported here remained undiagnosed due to failure of manifestation of associated signs and symptoms primarily overshadowed with those of tooth related pathoses. The need of clinical suspicion of malignancy arising from maxillary sinus should be taken into consideration whenever dealing with non-specific oral symptoms likes pathologic tooth mobility especially in the upper jaw. The case reported here failed to manifest salient clinical signs and symptoms of the tumor and areas of tumor involvement except perhaps of the jaw. The need for early screening and management protocols for effective control of the lesion cannot be overemphasized.