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Stages of Maxillary Sinus Cancer

Stages of Maxillary Sinus Cancer

A doctor will conduct tests to determine the stage of maxillary sinus cancer, which is then used develop an appropriate treatment plan. The following stages are used for maxillary sinus cancer:

Stages 0 maxillary sinus cancer

Cancer is found in the innermost lining of the maxillary sinus only. Stage 0 cancer is also called carcinoma in situ.

Stages 1 maxillary sinus cancer

Cancer is found in the mucous membranes of the maxillary sinus.

Stages 2 maxillary sinus cancer

Cancer has spread to bone around the maxillary sinus, including the roof of the mouth and the nose, but not to bones at the back of the maxillary sinus or the base of the skull.

Stages 3 maxillary sinus cancer

Cancer is found in any of the following places:

  • Bone at the back of the maxillary sinus
  • Tissues under the skin
  • The eye socket
  • The base of the skull
  • The ethmoid sinuses

OR

Cancer is found in one lymph node on the same side of the neck as the cancer, and the lymph node is 3 centimeters or smaller; cancer also is found in any of the following places:

  • The maxillary sinus
  • Bones around the maxillary sinus
  • Tissues under the skin
  • The eye socket
  • The base of the skull
  • The ethmoid sinuses
Stages 4 maxillary sinus cancer

Stage IV is divided into stages IVA, IVB, and IVC.

Stage IVA
Cancer has spread to either one lymph node on the same side of the neck as the cancer and the lymph node is larger than 3 centimeters but smaller than 6 centimeters; or, cancer has spread to more than one lymph node anywhere in the neck, and all are 6 centimeters or smaller; cancer is also found in any of the following areas:

  • The maxillary sinus
  • Bones around the maxillary sinus
  • Tissues under the skin
  • The eye socket
  • The base of the skull
  • The ethmoid sinuses

OR

Cancer is found in one or more lymph nodes in the neck, none larger than 6 centimeters, and in any of the following areas:

  • The front of the eye
  • The skin of the cheek
  • The base of the skull
  • Behind the jaw
  • The bone between the eyes
  • The sphenoid or frontal sinuses

Stage IVB
Cancer has spread to either:

  • One or more lymph nodes larger than 6 centimeters; or
  • The back of the eye, the brain, the base and middle parts of the skull, nerves in the head, and/or the upper part of the throat behind the nose; cancer may also be found in one or more lymph nodes.

Stage IVC
Cancer has spread to other parts of the body. 

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