The Role of the General Dental Practitioner in the Detection of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Maxillary Antrum

Antral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a relatively uncommon head and neck malignancy. Fewer than 400 cases are reported annually in the UK. As it is uncommon and often shows slow progression, it can be misdiagnosed in the early stages. This report describes a case involving a 52-year-old patient who presented at the emergency department of a district hospital complaining of facial swelling and recent dental issues. Further investigation revealed the presence of a mass in the right maxillary antrum, subsequently confirmed as SCC on histology. Significant pathology may be the underlying cause of symptoms which appear trivial. Persistent symptoms in the absence of a reasonable cause should raise suspicion. CPD/Clinical Relevance: A general dental practitioner is likely to be the initial point of contact of patients with maxillary antrum malignancies of the maxillary sinus; identification of suspicious signs and symptoms can help in early detection and treatment.