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The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation

April 2024

Multiple maxillofacial desmoid tumours: a case report

Author Information

Y Wu 1, X Li 1, F Guo 1, X Wu 2

1Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Academician Workstation for Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China. 2Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Academician Workstation for Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China; Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Electronic address: drwuxiaoshan@csu.edu.cn.

Publication

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg

Summary

Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare benign neoplasms but cause significant mortality due to their locally infiltrative nature and propensity to recur. Most DTs occur in the extremities and trunk. Head and neck DTs are uncommon but can have a significant impact on a patient's facial appearance. However, there is limited information available about the diagnosis and treatment for multiple DTs located in head and neck. We report the first case of multiple maxillofacial DTs in a 14-year-old boy. He had painless submandibular masses for three months and MRI imaging reveals abnormal high signals on the submandibular and bilateral zygomatic regions. Considering facial aesthetics, via intraoral incision we obtained a biopsy from the largest mass. Pathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of DT. We selected the wait-and-see strategy and clinically monitored the rest of the masses. During the subsequent 1-year follow-up, the masses were stagnant and appeared to involute. According to the development and outcome of this case, a conservative treatment for craniofacial DTs is suggested; however, greater clarity concerning management and prognosis could derive from prospective study of a larger patient cohort in the future.

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