Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the parotid gland: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, previously known as an inflammatory pseudotumor, is an uncommon neoplasm. This tumor, which has characteristic morphological and immunohistochemical features, is mostly seen in the lung. Herein we present a rare case of an inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumor of the parotid gland as well as a review of the literature. The patient was a 66-year-old man with recurrent painful swelling of the parotid gland. A total parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve branches was performed. The patient showed no signs of recurrence > 3 years after surgery. The presence of clonal cytogenic abnormalities supported the neoplastic origin of this process. The treatment consisted of complete resection. Clinicians should however be aware that an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor may mimic a reactive process.