Myxomas of the head and neck

Abstract

Purpose: Myxomas are rare, locally infiltrative, benign, connective tissue tumors that are found in bone and somatic soft tissues. This article reports our experience with head and neck myxomas and provides a comprehensive literature review.

Materials and methods: Retrospective record review of head and neck myxoma cases seen at 2 tertiary referral centers in Houston, Texas, from 1970 to 1994. Comprehensive literature review and compilation of all myxomas reported in the head and neck.

Results: We identified 7 cases of true head and neck myxoma treated in our centers and identified 169 cases reported in the literature. Most often, myxomas originated in bone (mandible or maxilla) and were most commonly found in adults. All tumors except 1 were treated surgically. Recurrence rates were 6% for local or wide excision and 28% for more conservative surgery such as enucleation or curretage.

Conclusions: Myxomas of the head and neck should be treated with complete excision of the tumor with clear margins.