Atypical structures of the maxillary sinus: Review

Abstract

The maxillary sinus, also known as Highmore’s antrum, is a structure in close proximity with the oral and nasal cavities. Many different types of pathologies or atypical structures can be found within this sinus, and a routine panoramic radiography can reveal such entities. The maxillary sinus is a highly active zone, and the origin of its anomalies may vary. An antrolith is a calcified mass that develops over time due to the precipitation of minerals; its etiology can be extrinsic or intrinsic. A mucous retention pseudocyst, unlike the antrolith, is formed due to accumulation of liquid and mucus, yet its radiological features are clearly visible and definable. It is also possible to encounter a maxillary sinus exostosis, an atypical structure that develops from the benign growth of cortical bone in an exophytic manner within the antrum. What these three structures share in common is that they are generally asymptomatic, and they can usually be found through a routine dental radiography. Even though many studies have demonstrated that these entities are more common than expected, many of these lesions go unnoticed or undetected, or are not recognized as a disease by the clinician.