Head and neck solitary infantile myofibroma: Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of a case series

Acta Histochem. 2015 May-Jun;117(4-5):431-6. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2015.02.001. Epub 2015 Mar 3.

Abstract

Infantile myofibroma is a rare mesenchymal benign tumor mostly found in the head and neck region. The aim of this study was to describe a small case series of head and neck solitary infantile myofibroma, emphasizing the importance of the histopathological and immunohistochemical features, and the potential diagnostic challenges. For the study, clinical and imaging data were obtained from the medical records. All cases were histologically reviewed, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to confirm the diagnosis. Four cases of head and neck solitary infantile myofibroma were identified. All patients were females and presented a mean age of 3 years old (ranging from 2 to 6 years). The site of the tumors were the mandible, right cheek, subcutaneous tissue adjacent to basal cortical of the mandible and upper anterior gingiva. No symptoms, such as pain or paresthesia, were reported. Computerized tomography revealed well-delimited tumors. All tumors were positive for vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. All patients underwent surgical excision and no signs of recurrence were observed after long-term follow-up. In summary, head and neck solitary infantile myofibromas are rare and present excellent prognosis. The correlation between clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features are essential for a correct diagnosis.

Keywords: Differential diagnosis; Head and neck; Immunohistochemistry; Infantile myofibroma; Mandible.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / biosynthesis*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Myofibroma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Myofibroma* / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Vimentin / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Vimentin