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Case Reports
. 2015 Aug 21:9:176.
doi: 10.1186/s13256-015-0658-9.

A low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma originating from the masseter muscle: a case report

Affiliations
Case Reports

A low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma originating from the masseter muscle: a case report

Eun Jung Lee et al. J Med Case Rep. .

Abstract

Introduction: Low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma is a distinctive variant of fibrosarcoma. We recently experienced a rare case of low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma arising in the masseter muscle.

Case presentation: A 63-year-old Korean woman with a large growing mass in her right parotid gland area for 1 year visited our clinic. Complete removal of the tumor was achieved by parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation. The tumor measured over 4cm with pathologic findings compatible with low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma.

Conclusions: Low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma is an extremely rare tumor, and report of the present case is noteworthy since it represents a rare localization of low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma in the head and neck. Close follow up on a long-term basis is considered necessary because of its high potential to metastasize.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Axial (a) and coronal (b) images of neck computed tomography. The mass shows a heterogeneous density on right parotid gland, with no erosion of adjacent structure. Axial (c) and coronal (d) images of neck magnetic resonance imaging. A 3.5×2.0cm-sized, irregular internal gadolinium-enhanced mass can be seen between the right parotid area extending to masseter muscle. The lesion is relatively well demarcated with smooth margins
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Intraoperative findings. Communicating branch (white arrow) between marginal branch and buccal branch was noted and sacrificed to remove complete mass excision (a). The main mass was located adjacent to masseter muscle in the deep lobe of parotid gland (b). All facial nerve branches were preserved: temporal (T), zygomatic (Z), buccal (B), marginal mandibular (M), and cervical branches (C) (c). Gross finding of main mass showed well-demarcated margin (d) margin (Supf. = superficial lobe of parotid gland, Main (Deep) = deep lobe of parotid gland)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Gross finding and histopathological view. The main mass showed well-margined shape (a). Cut section showed well-demarcated, yellow-whitish mass with focal glistening area (b). Low power view showed tumor with alternating fibrous and myxoid areas on hematoxylin and eosin ×40 (c). High power view showed spindle tumor cells with minimal atypia on hematoxylin and eosin ×400 (d)

References

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