DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF MAXILLARY SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma of the maxilla (SCCM) is an aggressive malignant neoplasm that is typically diagnosed at a late stage and presents significant therapeutic challenges in head and neck surgery and oncology. The aim of this study is to synthesize and critically discuss scientific evidence regarding the diagnosis, histopathological and molecular staging, and surgical and cervical management of SCCM. This is a descriptive literature review analyzing the use of clinical, histopathological, and three-dimensional imaging examinations (CT, MRI, and PET-CT) for the diagnosis and staging of the disease. Wide surgical resection with clear margins is the cornerstone of treatment, with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy indicated for advanced or high-risk stages. Management of cervical lymph nodes in clinically negative (cN0) necks requires rigorous stratification: while elective neck dissection (END) offers overall survival benefits and reduces regional recurrence in advanced oral tumors of the hard palate and maxillary alveolus, early-stage lesions (pT1) confined to the alveolar process may be managed via a "wait-and-see" approach to avoid overtreatment. Molecular variants (PIK3CA and HRAS mutations) and sentinel lymph node biopsy are emerging as promising avenues for personalized therapy. In conclusion, the management of SCCM requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach to balance oncological control with functional preservation.