Case report
A colliding maxillary sinus cancer of adenosquamous carcinoma and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma - a case report with EGFR copy number analysis
1 Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taiwan
2 Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taiwan
3 Department of Anatomy, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
4 Department of Plastic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taiwan
World Journal of Surgical Oncology 2010, 8:92 doi:10.1186/1477-7819-8-92
Published: 20 October 2010Abstract
Background
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) of maxillary sinus is a rare and aggressive malignancy. A tumor with squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and SNEC co-existence is extremely rare.
Case presentation
We present a colliding tumor of squamous cell, adenocarcinoma and SNEC in maxillary sinus. The clinical features, diagnosis and EGFR flourescence in situ hybridization (FISH) study are presented. A 52-year-old female had a 1-month history of progressing left cheek swelling and purulent rhinorrhea. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor involving left maxilla and orbital floor. Excision of tumor was done and the defect was reconstructed with free flap. The pathology revealed a malignant tumor composed of squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and SNEC components. EGFR FISH study showed no gene amplification in 3 components of this tumor. The tumor progressed rapidly and the patient expired at 8 months after surgery.
Conclusion
A colliding tumor of squamous cell, adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma in maxillary sinus was aggressive in behavior and the treatment response was poor due to the complexity of tumor.
