Treatment of Aggressive Fibromatosis of the Head and Neck

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of aggressive fibromatosis in the head and neck. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients with aggressive fibromatosis who underwent surgical interventions during the 9-year period from 2001 to 2010. Aggressive fibromatosis is treated by resection with an adequate safety margin. Radiotherapy is given to patient with tumor that cannot be completely removed. Results: Four patients with aggressive fibromatosis were identified under the 2005 World Health Organization classification guidelines, which, here reported, have been surgically treated. The lesions were located in the buccal mucosa in 1 patient, the tongue in 1 patient, and neck in 2 patients. Then, they were all treated by aggressive local resection. One patient who had a partially resected tumor underwent radiotherapy. The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 107 months. Conclusions: For the cases of tumor that can be completely removed, the prognosis is excellent. Otherwise, the tumor is vulnerable to relapse. We recommend radiotherapy in patients who have unresectable or partially resected tumor when the tumor is adjacent to vital structures. Patients with aggressive fibromatosis should remain in long-term follow-up.