Presentation and diagnosis of unilateral maxillary swelling in children

Facial asymmetry secondary to pathologic processes involving the maxillary sinus and its surrounding structures presents a challenge for the clinician . An organized approach to evaluate these patients is essential in order to differentiate inflammatory sinus pathology from disease processes primaril y involving the surrounding maxilla, parotid gland, orbital contents, and d ental structures. In addition to a thorough history and physical examinatio n, appropriate imaging studies must be obtained to localize the pathologic processes and develop a meaningful differential diagnosis. Once this is acc omplished, specific treatment modalities can be developed. Representative c ases will be presented to illustrate this organized approach to unilateral maxillary swelling, including soft tissue and osseous masses, fibro-osseous lesions, osseous cysts and inflammatory lesions. (Am J Otolaryngol 1999;20 .106-129. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company).