Objectives: To review the clinico-epidemiologic features of maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma (MxSSCC) in 2 cancer institutions in our locality with analysis of prognostic factors.

Methods: Sixty -four MxSSCC cases were included from January 2000 to June 2018 inclusive. Descriptive and survival analysis were carried out. Cox regression analysis was done to define prognostic factors.

Results: The majority of patients were male, smokers, of age range between (40-69years) showing high T staging and high node positivity. The treatment of the primary tumor ranged from surgery +/- adjuvant treatment in 34 patients (53%) , definitive radiotherapy (DRT) +/- chemotherapy; wether induction,concomitant, or both in 25(39%) patients. Neck treatment varied between node dissection +/- radiotherapy (RT) in 25 cases (39.1%), DRT [28 cases (43.7%)], and 6 patients (9.4%) were under wait and watch strategy. The median overall survival (OAS) was 61 months (range: 2-121) and the 5-years OAS was 51.6%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 44 months (range: 1-117) and the 5- year PFS was 40.6%. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors affecting OAS and PFS revealed that low stage and free safety margin were independent positive prognostic factors.

Conclusion: Most of cases were presented at a late stage. Surgery +/- adjuvant treatment was the commonest modality for treating the primary tumor, while DRT+/- was used for treating the primary and nodes in nearly 40% of the cases. Low stage and free safety margins were the positive independent prognostic factors. There is a need to investigate stronger treatments for this cancer.