Desmoid Fibroma

Desmoplastic fibroma of the pediatric cranium: case report and review of the literature

PURPOSE

Desmoplastic fibromas are primary bone tumors that seldom occur in the cranial bones. Furthermore, reports of desmoplastic fibromas of the skull in children are exceedingly rare. Although desmoplastic fibromas are histologically benign, they are locally aggressive and have a propensity to reoccur. Their radiographic appearance may mimic other more common central nervous system and bone neoplasms. There are only 19 reported cases of desmoplastic fibroma of the cranium in the literature, and only seven occurred in the pediatric age group. We present a case report of an 11-year-old female patient with a desmoplastic fibroma of the parieto-occipital region and review the literature.

CASE REPORT

An 11-year-old female presented to the craniofacial clinic complaining of intermittent pain and a soft mass in the occipital region. There was a distant history of trauma to the region that did not require medical intervention. Computed tomography imaging revealed a lytic bone lesion overlying the sagittal sinus in the parieto-occipital region. Surgical resection with wide margins and immediate autologous reconstruction was performed. Pathological analysis revealed a desmoplastic fibroma. At 4 months of follow-up, no recurrence has been noted.

CONCLUSION

Desmoplastic fibroma of the cranium is rare. Complete surgical resection with careful follow-up is the treatment of choice.

Desmoplastic fibroma of the cranium in a young man

Desmoplastic fibroma, which develops predominantly in long bones and the mandible, is a rare and benign but locally aggressive tumor. Desmoplastic fibroma of the cranium is extremely rare. We report a case of desmoplastic fibroma of the frontal bone in a young man. Because of its locally aggressive behavior, complete surgical excision with a safety margin is essential.

Desmoplastic fibroma of the cranium: case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Desmoplastic fibroma is a benign bone tumor that can be locally aggressive. It usually occurs in the long bones and mandible. We report on a patient with a desmoplastic fibroma arising in the temporal bone and review previously published cases of desmoplastic fibroma originating within the cranium.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 43-year-old woman presented with a 12-year history of progressively worsening head asymmetry. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography demonstrated a mass originating from the bone and involving the adjacent soft tissues.

INTERVENTION

A temporal parietal craniectomy was performed with excision of a large tumor involving the bone. An acrylic cranioplasty was used to replace the bone. Pathological examination of the lesion identified desmoplastic fibroma of the cranium. After surgery, the patient's cranial asymmetry was corrected.

CONCLUSION

Desmoplastic fibroma of the cranium is rare. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice.