[Solitary fibrous tumor of the nose and paranasal sinuses]

Abstract

Objective: The solitary fibrous tumor is an uncommon, benign lesion with a mesenchymal origin which arises most commonly from the pleura and, in extremely rare cases, from the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

Patient and methods: We describe a case of solitary fibrous tumor in the nasal cavity with an extension into both ethmoid sinuses and destruction of the nasal septum in a 64-year-old woman presenting with nasal obstruction and frontal headache. In the histopathologic examination and by immunohistochemistry, the tumor was composed of spindle cells and nodular collagen, and was confirmed as a solitary fibrous tumor. It was completely removed using an endonasal approach with the patient being free of any complaints and without evidence of disease 2 years after surgery.

Conclusions: Solitary fibrous tumor should be included in diagnostic considerations in patients with sinonasal masses, especially in cases with the appearance of spindle cells. Diagnostic procedures, clinicopathological features, therapeutic options and prognosis of the such tumors are discussed.