A 55-year-old man has a T2N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma limited to the maxillary antrum without orbital involvement. The standard definitive treatment is:

• A Definitive radiotherapy alone
• B Endoscopic medial maxillectomy alone
• C Total maxillectomy followed by postoperative radiotherapy ✓
• D Chemotherapy alone

Explanation

For resectable squamous carcinoma of the maxillary sinus, surgery in the form of total maxillectomy, with orbital exenteration only if the orbit is invaded, combined with postoperative radiotherapy gives the best local control and survival. Radiotherapy alone is reserved for unresectable disease or poor surgical candidates. Endoscopic medial maxillectomy is inadequate for antral carcinoma. Chemotherapy is used for palliation or chemoradiation protocols, not as sole curative therapy.

Reference: Scott-Brown's Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.