Head and neck myofibroma : a case series of 16 cases and literature review

Abstract

BACKGROUND : This study aimed to explore the clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical characteristics of myofibromas (MFs) affecting the head and neck region. MATERIAL AND METHODS : Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of patients diagnosed with MFs in the head and neck were retrieved from the archives of three oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratories. Data including clinical, radiographic, microscopic and immunohistochemical findings, treatment employed, and followup status were retrieved from the patient's medical records or pathology reports. RESULTS : Sixteen cases were included in the study. Females were slightly more affected than males. The first and second decades of life were more prevalent. The most common locations were the alveolar ridge and cheek. Although rare, some of the patients were presented with intraosseous lesions. Microscopically, tumors consisted of plump, spindle-shaped myofibroblasts arranged in whorls or fascicles with varying degrees of differentiation. Immunohistochemically, diffuse positivity for vimentin and α-SMA was observed, while Ki-67 mostly showed low immunoreactivity (<5%). Treatment primarily involved complete excision. CONCLUSIONS : MFs in the head and neck region are rare and predominantly affect female patients during the second decade of life. Despite their rarity, central MFs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraosseous lesions in infants.