A maxillary neoplasm is an abnormal growth of the maxilla, which includes the upper jaw, sections of the orbit, and the maxillary sinus. The neoplasm may be malignant or benign. Normally, the maxillary epithelium is pseudostratified, columnar, and ciliated, derived from the olfactory epithelium.

There are various forms of maxillary cancer, the most common being squamous cell carcinoma, followed by adenoid cystic carcinoma. Other possible types are adenocarcinoma, osteosarcoma, adenomatoid odontogenic keratocyst, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and malignant melanoma on rare occasions.

Maxillary cancer is about twice as common in men than women; it is also seen more in people aged 55 years and older, in Asian countries, and in White people. Patients with chronic sinusitis and those with the hereditary form of retinoblastoma have a higher risk of maxillary cancer. Other risk factors for this cancer include workplace exposure to certain chemicals (wood dusts, flour, leather dusts, formaldehyde, nickel, and chromium dust), tobacco use, human papillomavirus (HPV), and alcohol use.

Early findings may include maxillary pain, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and teeth mobility. As the cancer progresses, facial edema, jaw / oral pain, paresthesias, epistaxis, dyspnea, dysphagia, weight loss, and diplopia can be seen. Surgery and reconstruction may be required.