Nodular fasciitis in the orofacial region

Oral Nodular Fasciitis: A Case Report in an Uncommon Location and Review of the Literature

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a benign, self-limiting condition that is often misdiagnosed due to its resemblance to other lesions. Although NF is common, its occurrence in the oral cavity is rare and particularly challenging for both clinicians and pathologists. To date, no case has been reported in the retromolar area of the oral cavity. A 49-year-old male patient presented with a painless, rapidly growing, firm nodule in the right retromolar area. Histopathological examination revealed spindle cell proliferation with characteristics of NF and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis. The lesion was treated by conservative surgical excision, without recurrence at a one-year follow-up. In the current case, 54 cases of oral nodular fasciitis (ONF) have been documented. The majority of ONF-affected individuals are in their 40s, with a 1:1 male-to-female ratio. The buccal mucosa was the most commonly involved site followed by the tongue and labial mucosa. Histopathologically, the most prominent features were the proliferation of uniform spindle-shaped cells within a myxomatous and/or fibrotic background. A positive smooth muscle actin (SMA) stain was a consistent finding. Complete local excision remains the preferred treatment method, and no recurrences have been reported. This report underscores the importance of considering NF in the differential diagnosis of oral spindle cell lesions and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation to guide appropriate management.

Maxillary Sinus Myxofibrosarcoma Mimicking Nodular Fasciitis: A Rare Case Report

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a fibroblastic soft tissue sarcoma that is extremely rare in the maxillofacial region. Due to its non-specific clinicoradiographic findings and challenging histopathological features, the diagnosis is difficult. Here, we present a case of MFS which was first diagnosed as nodular fasciitis. The initial examination of the incisional biopsy showed a benign-appearing proliferation of fibroblasts without features of malignancy. The patient returned with recurrence four months after surgical excision of the primary lesion. The second histologic study revealed a high-grade spindle cell sarcoma with myxoid features most compatible with MFS. Definitive diagnosis of MFS was confirmed by these histopathologic features and supportive immunohistochemical stains. Unfortunately, the patient died of disease 3 months later.

Nodular fasciitis growing at the port site of robotic surgery for rectal cancer

Background

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a type of rare and rapidly growing tumor that affects the muscular fascial layers. Due to its locally aggressive nature and rapid growth, NF can be mistaken as a malignant process on either clinical or histological grounds.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old man was affected by rectal cancer. We performed a robotic, high-anterior resection with lymph node dissection. According to the 8th edition of Union for International Cancer Control, the diagnosis was stage I pT2N0M0. During a routine follow-up 1.5 years after the robotic surgery, a computed tomography examination revealed a tumor in the upper right abdominal wall, at the site of the surgical port, that measured 45 mm. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated a hypo-intensive mass within the right straight muscle of the abdomen. Port site recurrence following the robotic surgery for rectal cancer was suspected, and an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed; it revealed a low-grade myofibroblastic tumor or benign neoplasm, but was inconclusive. We performed an excision of the lesion, and histopathology confirmed NF, seen as a solid, nodular, spindle-cell lesion. The patient was postoperatively followed for more than 1 year without any sign of recurrence of either cancer or NF.

Conclusions

NF is histologically benign, but local recurrence frequently occurs. We encountered a patient with NF at the port site after robotic surgery for rectal cancer.

A benign, low-grade myofibroblastic lesion mimicking a sarcoma

Benign myofibroblastic lesions can clinically and histologically be mistaken for sarcoma. Excessive and potentially disfiguring surgical treatment can be avoided by ruling out malignancy. We present the case of a low-grade, myofibroblastic lesion of the lip, which shows how detailed clinical examination rather than reliance on histopathological information alone helped to achieve this. Differential diagnoses of myofibroblastic lesions are also discussed.

Imaging findings of radiologically misdiagnosed nodular fasciitis

BACKGROUND

Nodular fasciitis rarely occurs in young adults and children; it usually resembles other tumors, even malignancy.

PURPOSE

To review the imaging findings of six cases of nodular fasciitis misdiagnosed radiologically.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The clinical and radiologic features of six cases of histologically proven but radiologically misdiagnosed nodular fasciitis were reviewed retrospectively. Two cases underwent both plain and enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans and the other four had both regular and enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) scans.

RESULTS

All six patients were young (five children and one young adult). A rapid growing mass, pain or painless, was the most frequent presentation. Most masses were oval, well-defined, and homogeneous, with an average diameter of 2.2 cm. Five were found in superficial fascia with a broad base. Two cyst-like masses showed hypodensity relative to muscle on plain CT and without enhancement. Compared to muscle, these masses showed isointensity (n = 3) or slight hyperintensity (n = 1) on T1-weighted imaging, hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging (n = 4), with homogeneous notable enhancement (n = 3) or mild enhancement (n = 1). Five (83.3%) were found with a "fascial tail" sign characterized as thickening of adjacent fascial layer with notable enhancement. One mass showed an "inverted target" sign.

CONCLUSION

Nodular fasciitis in young adults and children is usually superficial, rapid growing, well-defined, and homogeneous, frequently with a "fascial tail" sign. Radiologically, it can resemble a benign cyst and might be easily misdiagnosed. Therefore, nodular fasciitis should be remembered in the differential diagnosis for superficial soft tissue tumor found in young adult and children.

Oral nodular fasciitis – A case report with a diagnostic schema

Introduction: The spectrum of myofibroblastic lesions of the oral cavity ranges from reactive to benign to malignant lesions with overlapping histopathologic and immunohistologic characteristics posing a diagnostic dilemma. Observation: A 30-year-old male presented with a spontaneous swelling over the right lower buccal gingiva giving a clinical suspicion of a benign mesenchymal tumor. The lesion presented with a varied biphasic microscopic appearance that posed as a challenge for diagnosis. Commentaries: The incisional biopsy of the lesion showed a highly collagenous stroma with spindle-shaped cells, while the excision biopsy revealed myxoid and hyalinized stroma. A panel of markers comprising of SMA (smooth muscle actin). CD-34, β-Catenin, and Alcian blue stain was employed to arrive at a diagnosis. Conclusion: Most myofibroblastic lesions present with diverse histological appearance which warrants a thorough assessment of the cellular and stromal components for an accurate diagnosis.

Nodular fasciitis of soft tissue over the mandible

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is an unusual, benign condition which can mimic more sinister, sarcomatous lesions both clinically and histologically. This case report presents a 35-year-old male, with a rapidly growing mass on the border of his left mandible, referred to a specialist head and neck unit. The initial presentation, radiology and cytology were initially inconclusive and the possibility of a malignant process was considered. Final histology was that of NF, the treatment of which is complete surgical excision. Therefore, NF is an important differential to consider when assessing similar clinical presentations, as highlighted in this case report.

Nodular Fasciitis in the Tongue-a Mimicker of Malignancy: Case Report and Review of Literature

Tongue cancer surgery involves wide excision of tumors with negative margins. It can cause significant morbidity if adequate function is not restored with the use of grafts or flaps if the defect is large. Nodular fasciitis is an uncommon entity in the tongue and a mimicker of malignancy. Preoperative diagnosis avoids mutilating radical surgery. The lesion is benign and the recurrence potential is very low with marginal excision.

Description of a Rare Case of Nodular Fasciitis of the Apical Aspect of the Upper Buccal Sulcus

This report describes a rare case of nodular fasciitis (NF) of the oral cavity, discussing the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical characteristics. Histopathologic diagnosis of this type of lesion can be challenging due to its differential diagnosis, which principally includes sarcoma. The patient presented with a painless, well-defined nodule, reported as increasing in size, located at the apical aspect of the upper left buccal sulcus. Histologically, the lesion revealed spindle cell proliferation arranged in fascicles, while immunohistochemistry demonstrated positivity for smooth muscle actin. Eight months after complete surgical excision, no signs of local recurrence have been observed.

Nodular Fasciitis: Definitive Diagnosis by Fine Needle Aspiration

OBJECTIVES

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a self-limited, mass-forming, fibrous proliferation that can occur in the head and neck and may mimic malignancy. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a minimally invasive, rapid, accurate method of obtaining diagnostic material from head and neck masses. In this study, we verify the usefulness of FNAB in obtaining a definitive diagnosis of NF.

METHODS

Cases were identified from our laboratory information system. Cytology slides were reviewed to note morphologic features and confirm diagnoses. Clinical history was obtained to document the case presentations and outcomes.

RESULTS

All 9 cases were found to have clinical presentations and common distinguishing morphologic features consistent with NF. Two cases were excised surgically, and the remainder regressed spontaneously. There were no recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

FNAB can produce a definitive diagnosis of NF, providing an opportunity to avoid surgical excision in patients with a typical clinical presentation.

Nodular Fasciitis of the Orofacial Region: An Uncommon Differential

Nodular fasciitis is a benign proliferative spindle-cell lesion that presents as a rapidly growing mass arising from the subcutaneous fascia, leading it to be erroneously diagnosed as a sarcoma. These lesions commonly present in individuals in their third to fifth decades of life with no definite gender predilection. They are frequently located on the extremities and the trunk and infrequently in the head and neck region. Lesions in the orofacial region are uncommon. We describe an interesting case of orofacial nodular fasciitis in a 21-year-old boy that essentially summarises the clinical features and management of this pseudosarcomatous reactive proliferative lesion. Clinicians and more so maxillofacial surgeons need to be aware of the distinctions between nodular fasciitis and its malignant mimic (sarcomas) in order to limit overtreatment and the resultant treatment-related morbidities.

Nodular fasciitis on temple area resulting in surgical trauma

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a pseudosarcomatous reactive proliferative lesion that commonly occurs as a solitary, well-circumscribed, painful, rapidly growing soft tissue mass. It appears at any age, but incidence peaks in the third decade, with a slight predilection for women. It is most commonly located on the extremities, followed by the chest and trunk. Although a common site in the pediatric population, NF is found on the head and neck only in 7% to 20% in the adult population and includes the cheek, parotid region, zygoma, periorbital area, eyelid, forehead, and intraoral sites. The cause of NF is unknown, but an association with trauma may be present. A case of NF over the temple area in a 28-year-old man who has no trauma history but has surgical incisional biopsy history and tenderness on palpation is reported.

Nodular fasciitis of the masseter

A 73-year-old man presented to ENT clinic with a painless, smooth lump overlying his right cheek. Fine needle aspiration wrongly diagnosed necrotising malignancy with squamous differentiation. MRI showed a lesion overlying the right masseter, and positron emission tomography scanning incorrectly suggested this was a metabolically active lymph node. After surgical excision, immunohistochemical analysis showed this was in fact nodular fasciitis of the masseter. Nodular fasciitis is a rare, benign, proliferative lesion whose clinical and histological features make it difficult to distinguish from malignancies such as sarcoma. Immunohistochemical analysis for markers including vimentin and actin is crucial for diagnosis. Without this, misdiagnoses are common and patients are at risk of unnecessarily aggressive treatment. This case report summarises the epidemiological, aetiological and clinical features of nodular fasciitis, explores the pitfalls of investigation modalities and describes its management.

Nodular fasciitis of the lip mucosa: a rare but clinically important entity

Oral nodular fasciitis (NF) is a rare benign entity of significant clinical importance, which presents as a rapidly growing soft tissue mass. Awareness of this entity is essential, because histologically it resembles a malignancy at first glance, owing to its spindled histological nature and numerous typical mitoses. Thus, it is often misdiagnosed as an aggressive sarcoma, resulting in unnecessary radical surgery. In total, 45 cases of oral NF have been reported since 1966, of which only 2 were reported in the dermatological literature. Patients with NF of the lip mucosa will frequently present to a dermatologist. Therefore, it is critical that dermatologists recognize this benign neoplasm to correctly manage it and avoid potentially catastrophic unnecessary surgery, as these lesions typically spontaneously resolve. We describe the clinical, histological and immunohistochemistry findings of NF in a 51-year-old woman, and discuss its differential diagnosis.

Parotid Gland Nodular Fasciitis: A Clinicopathologic Series of 12 Cases with a Review of 18 Cases from the Literature

Nodular fasciitis (NF), very uncommon in the parotid gland, is a benign myofibroblastic proliferation that may be mistaken for other neoplastic proliferations. The mass-like clinical presentation and histologic features result in frequent misclassification, resulting in inappropriate clinical management. There are only a few reported cases in the English literature. Cases within the files of the authors' institutions (retrospective) confined to the parotid gland were compared to cases reported in the English literature (Medline 1966-2014). The patients included five females and seven males, aged 11-70 years (mean 45.2 years). All patients presented with a mass lesion, present on average 1.9 months, without a documented history of trauma. The lesions were 0.7-5.2 cm (mean 2.2 cm). Seven patients had fine needle aspiration. The majority of the lesions were circumscribed (n = 9), composed of spindle-shaped to stellate myofibroblasts (MF) arranged in a storiform growth pattern, juxtaposed to hypocellular myxoid tissue-culture-like areas with extravasation of erythrocytes. Dense, keloid-like collagen (n = 7) and occasional giant cells were seen (n = 6). Mitotic figures (without atypical forms) were readily identifiable (mean 4/10 HPFs). By immunohistochemical staining, the MF were reactive with vimentin, actins, and calponin, while the histiocytes were reactive with CD68. All patients had surgical excision. One patient developed local recurrence (12 months later). All were alive and disease free at last follow-up, with a mean 133 months of follow-up. The principle differential diagnoses include fibrosarcoma, fibromatosis, pleomorphic adenoma, myoepithelioma, neurofibroma, schwannoma, solitary fibrous tumor, leiomyoma, fibrous histiocytoma and myxoma. NF of the parotid gland occurs in middle-aged patients who present with a mass (mean 2.2 cm) in the parotid gland of short duration (1.9 months). FNA misinterpretation frequently leads to excision. Separation from myoepithelial and mesenchymal lesions affecting the parotid gland results in appropriate management.

Nodular fasciitis in the buccal region with rapid growth after incisional biopsy mimicking sarcoma

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a reactive and proliferative fibroblastic lesion that occurs predominantly in the upper limbs but rarely develops in the oral cavity. This lesion can be misdiagnosed as malignant owing to its frequent display of rapid growth, rich cellularity, and high mitotic activity. Unlike a sarcoma, NF can resolve spontaneously or after an incisional biopsy. We describe a challenging case involving a lesion in the buccal region that rapidly enlarged after incisional biopsy. This variation of clinical behavior illustrates the difficulty in predicting whether NF will continue to grow or regress. Clinicians dealing with cases of an enlarging fibrous lesion of short duration should remain aware of this disease entity and its potential diagnostic dilemma.

A rare case of intraoral nodular fasciitis: diagnosis and immunohistochemical profile

Nodular fasciitis is a benign, idiopathic, reactive proliferation of myofibroblasts found in the subcutaneous fascia; intraoral occurrence is very rare. An 18-year-old woman was referred to the oral diagnosis service with a 1-month history of a nodular mass in the gingiva. Clinical examination disclosed a well-circumscribed, mobile, pedunculated mass in the left mandibular gingiva. The clinical diagnoses included pyogenic granuloma. She underwent an excisional biopsy under local anesthesia through an intraoral approach. Microscopic examination showed a proliferation of spindle cells arranged in intersecting fascicles. The spindle cells exhibited plump, vesicular nuclei without significant pleomorphism. Scattered multinucleated giant cells also were present. Immunohistochemical stains showed that the lesional cells were positive for smooth muscle actin and vimentin and negative for S-100 protein. The features were those of an inflammatory, benign myofibroblastic lesion, consistent with intraoral nodular fasciitis.

Nodular fasciitis of the oral cavity with partial spontaneous regression (nodular fasciitis)

Nodular fasciitis is a lesion found in the subcutaneous fascia that micoscopically presents as a benign proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which may be mistaken for a sarcoma due to clinically rapid growth. Diagnosis is by histopathology and of the immunohistochemical profile. We describe a case of nodular fasciitis in the oral cavity that demonstrated partial spontaneous regression. The patient was a 32-year-old man with a buccal mucosal mass, which had grown rapidly for 45 days. On microscopic examination, the lesion displayed a well-delineated but not encapsulated proliferation of spindle cells, with a nodular growth pattern. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positivity of the spindle cells for the antibodies against smooth muscle actin and muscle-specific actin (HHF-35). Treatment of such lesions typically involves complete conservative excision, but the lesion may regress eventually in the absence of definitive treatment.

Oral intravascular fasciitis: a rare maxillofacial lesion

Nodular fasciitis is a benign non-neoplastic myofibroblastic proliferation, involving the head in 7% to 20% of cases. Intravascular fasciitis (IVF) is a rare variant, with a unique intravascular growth pattern. Only 4 maxillofacial cases have been previously reported. We describe a 58-year-old woman with a rapidly growing, hard, mobile buccal submucosal swelling. CT scans identified a well-defined, 1.7-cm isodense lesion, located between the mental foramen and masseter muscle, which was excised under general anesthesia. A well-defined cellular nodular mass was composed of bland spindle cells, in a densely vascularized, focally myxoid matrix, involving an arterial lumen, and extending into adjacent tissues. Mitoses were rare. Immunohistochemistry was positive for smooth muscle actin, negative for keratins, S-100, epithelial membrane antigen, caldesmon, p53 and Alk. CD31 and CD34 were positive only in the vascular component, supporting the diagnosis of intravascular fasciitis.

Nodular fasciitis of the oro-facial region

Nodular fasciitis is a benign proliferative spindle-cell lesion that presents as a rapidly growing mass frequently being mistaken for a sarcoma. A rare presentation and treatment of nodular fasciitis in the cheek of an 8-year-old boy is described here. He came with a chief complaint of swelling in the left cheek since 1 month which rapidly increased to the size of a marble, over a period of 1 month. Surgical excision of the lesion was planned under general anesthesia following which the surgical site was closed with resorbable sutures. Based on the history, clinical picture, and histopathological examination, the lesion was diagnosed as nodular fasciitis. Although infrequent in both children and the oral mucosa, nodular fasciitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of facial tumors in infants and young children.

Nodular fasciitis over the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus: a case report and review of the literature

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a benign tumor that grows extending from the muscular fascia to the subcutaneous tissue and, less frequently, into the underlying muscle. The cause of such proliferation is unknown, although trauma is believed to be important because of the location of these lesions over bony prominences. NF can often be confused with myofibromatosis or a sarcoma owing to its rapid rate of growth, rich cellularity, and mitotic activity. It is important, therefore, to distinguish the lesion from a more aggressive condition. NF that occurs in otherwise healthy individuals usually presents with a history of rapid growth, and is commonly found in the upper extremities and on the chest and trunk. We present a case of NF in a 39-year-old female patient occurring over the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus, along with a review of the literature.

Case report: nodular fasciitis of the parotid region

Objective:

To demonstrate the clinical and histopathological features of nodular fasciitis in the parotid region.

Case report:

A 24-year-old man presented with a palpable mass in the superior border of the parotid gland. The mass was firm and immobile, with a smooth surface. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed proliferating fibroblasts, macrophages and adipocytes among the blood cells. Although a superficial parotidectomy was initially planned, a total excision was performed, as the mass was observed to be located in the periphery of the parotid tissue. Nodular fasciitis was diagnosed, based on the results of immunohistochemical analysis.

Conclusion:

Nodular fasciitis very rarely occurs in the parotid region. These lesions grow quickly, and may be misdiagnosed as sarcoma. Trauma may play a role in their aetiology. Total excision is adequate as treatment.

Nodular fasciitis of the zygoma: A case report

Nodular fasciitis (NF), a benign proliferation of fibroblasts, commonly presents as a solitary, well-circumscribed, rapidly growing soft tissue mass. It is most commonly located in the upper extremities, particularly on the volar aspect of the elbow, and on the chest and trunk. In adults, NF is rarely found in the head and neck region. Although benign, it can often be confused with a more malignant process and therefore must be properly diagnosed histologically. The cause of NF is unknown but an association with trauma may be present. Treatment is most commonly by local surgical excision, and recurrence is rare. A case of NF over the zygoma in a 60-year-old man not associated with trauma is presented.

Nodular fasciitis in the submandibular gland

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a benign, proliferative lesion of myofibroblasts. The most common site of the lesion is in the upper extremities or trunk. NF in the head and neck is next in frequency and is the most common site in infants and children. In adults, NF in the submandibular region is very rare. We report a case of a 53-year-old man with a submandibular mass, rapidly growing for 10 days. Cytologic findings revealed a few sheets or clusters of small, uniform spindle cells. The uniform spindle cells had centrally located round to ovoid nucleus, but there were no nuclear atypia and atypical mitosis. There were focally loose stroma but we could not find chondroid or myxoid components. A partial parotidectomy was performed. We describe a case of NF in the submandibular region, adjacent to the parotid gland and review the clinical, cytologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of NF.

Nodular fasciitis: a case series

BACKGROUND

Given its rarity, varied histological presentation and often pseudosarcomatous appearance, nodular fasciitis is frequently misdiagnosed on pre-operative, intra-operative and final analyses.

METHODS

Four cases of nodular fasciitis are reviewed.

RESULTS

Physical and radiological findings were consistent with a parapharyngeal tumour, probably neurogenic, a level four neck mass suspicious for lymphoma; a sternoclavicular mass in a patient with a history of breast cancer suspicious for metastasis; and a cheek mass consistent with an accessory parotid tumour. Fine needle aspiration results were consistent with a neurogenic tumour in two patients and an undifferentiated malignancy in two patients. Frozen section examination most commonly included masses with spindle-type cells. The final diagnosis of nodular fasciitis was made only after permanent section and immunohistological analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In a patient with nonspecific results following investigation of a head or neck mass, nodular fasciitis should be considered. Use of appropriate immunohistochemical markers will aid in the final diagnosis.

MRI sign of nodular fasciitis: a case report

Soft tissue masses of the facial region have common clinical and radiological features resulting in varied differential diagnosis. Nodular fasciitis is a benign proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts that may be mistaken for a sarcomatous lesion because of its rapid growth. Buccal space, although an uncommon site for the lesion, can be involved by nodular fasciitis. Diagnosis is usually provided by histopathology. A case of nodular fasciitis of buccal space is reported. This case demonstrated characteristic thickening and enhancement of the adjacent fascial plane, supporting the preoperative specific diagnosis of the lesion.

Nodular fasciitis of the face: aesthetic considerations

Nodular fasciitis is an uncommon tumor-like fibroblastic proliferation that occurs rarely in the head and neck region. A new case of nodular fasciitis occurring in the cheek of a 56-year-old woman is reported. The case was characterized by dental trauma preceding the appearance of the lesion (extraction of tooth 35). Histologically, the lesion consisted of proliferating fibroblasts and myofibroblasts presenting clinically as a rapidly growing subcutaneous nodule. A conservative surgical excision with curettage is the treatment of choice, and the lesion usually does not exhibit a tendency to recur. The clinical relevance of this condition relies on the fact that both the disorder and its surgical treatment may cause tissue distortion resulting in aesthetic compromise. Furthermore, it needs to be differentiated from malignancy due to its very rapid growth, its rich cellularity, and its high mitotic activity. Both of these aspects, i.e. aesthetic implications and differential diagnosis, have been discussed.