Preservation of the orbital contents in cancer of the maxillary sinus.

Tumor invasion of the periorbita, posterior ethmoid cells, or orbital apex is considered an absolute indication for orbital exenteration. Preservation of the orbital contents in selected cases can be applied safely to the treatment of primary maxillary sinus cancer. Patient complaints relating to the preserved eye were more commonly associated with radiation therapy than the method of reconstruction used. Reconstruction of the orbital floor with a skin graft, even when combined with radiation therapy, gave a functional eye in the majority of cases while not compromising the oncologic safety or the procedure.