[A rare tumor of the infratemporal fossa]

Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2010 Jun;111(3):165-7. doi: 10.1016/j.stomax.2010.04.003. Epub 2010 Jun 4.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Giant cell tumors of bone (GCT) are usually benign and relatively rare. They have an aggressive behavior and an unpredictable prognosis. They occur mainly in the young adult, with a preferential localization in long bones. We report a giant cell infratemporal fossa tumor.

Observation: A 55-year-old female patient consulted for swelling in the right cheek. Surgical excision was incomplete because of the subtemporal tumor localization. Histological assessment proved a GCT. Forty-five grays postoperative external radiotherapy was applied to the surgical site. The patient had local control at the 12-month follow-up.

Discussion: GCTs are seldom observed in the facial skeleton (2%). The recommended treatment is surgery. Radiotherapy can be indicated in case of incomplete or impossible surgical excision, or when surgery would be responsible for a major functional deficit.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cranial Fossa, Middle / pathology*
  • Cranial Fossa, Middle / surgery
  • Dissection
  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Giant Cell Tumor of Bone / diagnosis*
  • Giant Cell Tumor of Bone / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / surgery