Osseous mass in a maxillary sinus of an adult male from the 16th-17th-century Spain: Differential diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

To undertake a differential diagnosis of a large mass found in the left maxillary sinus of a cranium dated to the 16th-17th-century, and to expand knowledge of the diagnosis of osseous tissue formation in osteoarchaeological studies.

MATERIAL

A cranium recovered from the cemetery of San Salvador de Palat de Rey church, León (Spain).

METHODS

Macroscopic analysis, CT scanning.

RESULTS

Macroscopic analysis indicated that the individual was probably a male over 30 years old with an ossified mass in the left maxillary sinus, measuring 24 × 19 × 24 mm, occupying approximately 27 % of the maxillary antrum. Computed tomography revealed a well-demarcated radiolucent unilocular mass with some radiopaque areas, with no communication with the alveoli of the premolars or molars. No erosive lesions or signs of inflammation were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither the macroscopic, nor the radiological characteristics are compatible with inflammatory or malignant pathology, favoring a diagnosis of ossifying fibroma.

SIGNIFICANCE

This case adds to the few reported cases in the osteoarchaeological literature, especially since there is limited relevant reference data to assist diagnosis. The CT scans and 3D reconstruction presented here facilitate differential diagnosis in future paleopathological studies.

LIMITATIONS

Destructive methods were not authorized.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

In the future, micro-CT analysis, which was not performed in the current study, may add new and valuable information.

A historical vignette (17). The illness of soldier Rik Wouters

The Flemish painter and sculptor Rik Wouters was born in Mechelen. He died from a fibrosarcoma of the right maxillary sinus at the age of 33. At the time, he was a soldier with the 9th Regiment of the Line of the Belgian Army during the Great War and he was imprisoned in Holland. His symptoms are reviewed; some comments are made relating to the errors in diagnosis, the quality of the treatment, its poor results, the optimism of the patient and his lucidity, and finally the moving confidence demonstrated by him in his successive physicians (Figures 1-4).

[History of treatment and classification of maxillary sinus neoplasms]

History of treatment of maxillary malignant neoplasms goes back to the middle of 19th century, when Gensoul and Lizzard performed their first maxillectomy. However the development of maxillar surgery is connected with achivements of Moure, who as the first one characterized and applied innovative skin cut on the face. Author presents the history of other surgical procedures in therapy of maxillary tumors and describes methods which are apply nowaday. Attention is paid to the Polish contributions and accomplishments in diagnostics and treatment of tumors localized in this area. The classification of maxillary tumors from Sebileau dissertation till the newest TNM classification from 2001 is described.