Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma in the maxillary sinus

ABSTRACT

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is uncommon and distinct variant of squamous cell carcinoma that arises mostly in the upper aerodigestive tract and aggressive, high grade tumor with an increased tendency to be deeply invasive, multifocal, and metastatic even at the initial presentation. The typical microscopic features of carcinoma with a basaloid pattern in intimate association with a squamous component helps in diagnosis of this tumour. Since Wain's report in 1986, BSCC of oral cavity, the palate, floor of the mouth, nasopharynx, oropharynx and mastoid region have been reported. However, BSCC in the nasal cavity or in the paranasal sinuses is rare and there are few reports in the Korean literature. We had experienced a case of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma that occurred in the left maxillary sinus of 72-year-old woman and reported with review of the clinical and pathologic features from the literature.