First report of elective selective neck dissection in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus

Controversy remains about management of the neck in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the maxillary sinus and we know of no reports of the use of elective selective neck dissection for management in this site. We retrospectively reviewed 18 consecutive patients with SCC of the maxillary sinus who were managed by primary operation with curative intent. A total of 13 patients had an elective selective neck dissection, which was invaded in one case 8%. Four patients had regional metastases, two with positive nodal disease confirmed after elective selective neck dissection, and two who developed regional recurrence (both after elective selective neck dissections which were negative (pN0)). A review of other published articles in the English language showed no cases of elective selective neck dissections reported. The mean regional recurrence rate was 12% (range 0–26%) and total mean regional metastases rate 21% (range 5–36%). Elective selective neck dissection did not contribute to an improved rate of neck control with regional recurrence of 11% (2/18) compared with 12% in the review. There is no evidence in this report to indicate that elective selective neck dissections for maxillary sinus SCC will result in better disease control. Future research may indicate fewer radiotherapy fields for necks with pathologically clear nodes after elective selective neck dissection.