Abstract
Three cases of malignant melanoma arising originally in the maxillary sinus are reported. Cytological examination of the washings obtained with physiological saline solution through the sinus puncture identified numerous melanoma cells together with melanophages. The cases could be then scheduled for well-planned, preoperative treatments including immunotherapy under the diagnosis of melanoma. Cytological criteria of malignant melanoma were outlined, and the usefulness of cytological approach, as a valuable diagnostic procedure not only for the early detection of malignant tumors but also for the surveillance of their postoperative recurrence in the paranasal sinuses, was emphasized.
