Central (intraosseous) myofibroma of the mandible: clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic features of a rare lesion

Abstract

Objective: Myofibroma frequently manifests as a solitary soft tissue tumor and less as simultaneous multiple tumors in both soft tissues and bones. The present study evaluated clinical, radiological, and histopathologic features of myofibroma of the jaws.

Study design: Nineteen cases from the literature and 4 new cases were analyzed.

Results: At initial diagnosis, age ranged from birth to 34 years (mean 7.2 years, median 6 years). Male/female ratio was 2.3:1. Myofibromas were radiolucent solitary lesions located solely in the mandible: 70% unilocular, 30% multilocular; 67% with well-defined borders. Conservative treatment was performed on 75% of the patients; 25% underwent partial jaw resection. Where information was provided, no lesion recurred during 6-month to 17-year follow-up.

Conclusion: Although rare, myofibroma of the mandible should be considered in the differential diagnosis of radiolucent lesions (particularly unilocular), especially in children. Treatment of choice is conservative surgery to minimize potential functional and/or esthetic damage.