Radiation-induced malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the maxilla

Odontology. 2011 Jul;99(2):203-8. doi: 10.1007/s10266-011-0001-x. Epub 2011 Apr 13.

Abstract

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) originates from primitive mesenchymal cells and has the capacity for dual histiocytic and fibroblastic differentiation. We report on an MFH of the left maxilla that developed in a 79-year old woman 20 years after surgery and radiation for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Postoperative radiotherapy with 70 Gy was administered for a primary neoplasm of SCC of the left maxilla to a localized field through two lateral ports. This secondary neoplasm arose at the site of tumor resection (partial maxillectomy) within the irradiated field, and was resected. The development of sarcomas is a recognized complication of radiation therapy. The final diagnosis after the operation was MFH. The patient died of tumor recurrence at the skull base and within the cranium, 19 months after the operation. Radiation-induced sarcoma is well known, but radiation-induced MFH is relatively rare in the head and neck region. The details of this case are presented with a review of literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / diagnosis
  • Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Maxilla / radiation effects
  • Maxilla / surgery
  • Maxillary Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Maxillary Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Maxillary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / etiology*
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / diagnosis