Chondrosarcoma of the maxilla: a case report and review of current literature

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumour that is the second most common bone tumour after osteosarcoma. Its diagnosis is among the most difficult ones in tumour pathology. Here, we report a very unique case of chondrosarcoma in maxillary sinus. A 45-year-old woman presented with a tumour on the left side of the maxillary sinus. CT and MRI imaging showed an abnormal mass destructing surrounding tissues. The final diagnosis of chondrosarcoma could not be made for a long time due to lack of correlation between clinical and microscopic examinations. The patient underwent left subtotal maxillectomy via Weber-Ferguson incision, bilateral ethmoidectomy, sphenoidectomy, and right upper turbinectomy, and excision of nasal septum, left frontal sinus, and left exenteration of orbit. Histological changes in the small biopsy specimen may be not sufficient for definitive diagnosis. Our case shows that radiography combined with histopathology is necessary to make the final diagnosis. The presented case revealed that chondrosarcoma can be a heterogeneous tumour. Collecting tissue samples from different locations is essential for improving diagnosis and reducing diagnostic error. Combining clinical data even with uncertain microscopic examination may be a solution in borderline and complicated cases.