Myxofibrosarcoma in Head and Neck: Case Report of Unusually Aggressive Presentation

J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2017 Dec;75(12):2709.e1-2709.e12. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2017.08.015. Epub 2017 Aug 16.

Abstract

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a malignant fibroblastic tumor that primarily affects the lower and upper extremities. It is usually described as a slow-growing tumor with high recurrence rates but low metastatic potential. The reported incidence of head and neck MFS is 2 to 4% and rarely presents with distant metastases. This report describes a case of maxillary MFS in a 72-year-old woman whose disease progression followed an atypical course with an extremely rapid rate of growth and early pulmonary and central nervous system lesions. The pulmonary symptoms at initial presentation made a final diagnosis a challenge. Various diagnostic modalities and multidisciplinary collaboration were required. The disease course and management are outlined. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of MFS originating in the maxillary alveolus with multiple metastases, including the brain and lungs, in the early course of the disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / diagnosis*
  • Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / pathology
  • Humans
  • Maxillary Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Maxillary Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasm Metastasis