Surgical Management of Carcinoma of the Maxilla

Ninety cases of carcinoma of the antrum were treated by planned combined therapy consisting of a preoperative cancericidal dose of cobalt radiation followed in four to six weeks by extirpative surgery. Cancer of the infrastructure had the highest cure rate. Cancer of the suprastructure yielded the poorest results. No case with extension to the dura was salvaged by more extensive surgery. In selective cases without manifest invasion of the floor of the orbit, a total maxillectomy was performed, and the orbital contents were preserved. A tantalum or Marlex mesh was inserted to prevent droppage of the eye. Although the curability in this series is not much higher, few orbital exenterations have been found necessary.