Imaging Science in Dentistry  2014;44(4):307-314

doi:10.5624/isd.2014.44.4.307

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the maxillary sinus in an elderly male: A case report and literature review.

Saiquat SHAH 1 ; Kyung Hoe HUH ; Won Jin YI ; Min Suk HEO ; Sam Sun LEE ; Soon Chul CHOI

Affiliations

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Keywords

Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive; Maxillary Sinus; Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), which belongs to the Ewing's sarcoma (ES) family of tumors, is mainly seen in children and young adults. PNETs are extremely rare in the maxilla. Here, we report a case of PNET of the left maxillary sinus in an elderly male. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a slightly enhanced solid mass occupying the left maxillary sinus and infiltrating into the retroantral space. A partial maxillectomy was performed. Despite postoperative chemotherapy, follow-up computed tomography (CT) and MRI revealed a nodal metastasis in the submandibular space. Neck dissection was performed. However, the patient died 10 months after the second surgery because of distant metastasis to the liver. MRI and CT were particularly useful in detecting the extent of the tumor, recurrence, and metastasis. Further, a literature review of the previously reported PNET cases of the maxilla was carried out. In this paper, we also discuss the current approach for the diagnosis and management of these tumors.