SINONASAL KERATINIZING SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA: CLINICAL AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS

Sinonasal keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma is a rare malignancy originating from the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity epithelium. This report details the clinical presentation, radiological insights, and management of a localized sinonasal keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma case in the maxillary sinus. A 47-year-old female patient with asymptomatic cheek swelling underwent comprehensive evaluation. Clinical examination, orthopantomography, conebeam computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed. Histopathological analysis showed poorly differentiated keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. Clinical assessment revealed a firm, painless swelling in the posterior left maxillary region. Imaging studies exhibited opacity within the left maxillary sinus, evident as well-defined destruction of lateral and posterior walls. Magnetic resonance imaging delineated a heterogeneous mass extending into subcutaneous adipose tissue, characterized by constrained diffusion and pronounced contrast enhancement. Maxillectomy was performed, classifying the tumor as T3N0M0. The rare presentation of sinonasal keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic strategies. This case illustrates the crucial role of multidisciplinary collaboration involving clinical evaluation, advanced imaging, and histopathological analysis for effective management. Healthcare practitioners should remain vigilant, considering uncommon malignancies in the differential diagnosis of sinonasal lesions to ensure optimal patient outcomes.