Patterns of Initial Lymph Node Involvement and Recurrence in Patients With Maxillary Sinus Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

BackgroundDetermining whether to treat the elective cervical lymph node (LN) area remains a dilemma in maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This study analyzed the patterns of initial LN involvement and recurrence to guide treatment strategies.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 119 patients with maxillary sinus SCC treated between 2005 and 2023. Patients received definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy, neoadjuvant therapy followed by local treatment, or upfront surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy.ResultsAmong 119 patients, 28 (23.5%) had clinical LN involvement at diagnosis, primarily at ipsilateral neck levels I and II. Regional failure occurred in 18 (19.8%) cN0 and 9 (32.1%) cN+ patients, with ipsilateral level II being the most common site. Contralateral failures were frequent in cN+ patients. Distant metastases occurred in 17 patients (14.3%), predominantly in the lungs.ConclusionUnderstanding LN involvement and recurrence patterns can refine radiation field design and follow-up strategies in maxillary sinus SCC.