Solitary fibrous tumour of the cheek: An unusual presentation of a rare soft tissue tumour

Abstract

This case report discusses the unusual presentation and ultrasound features of a solitary fibrous tumour of the face. Solitary fibrous tumour is an uncommon form of soft tissue tumour which, although seen predominantly within the lung pleura, can occur throughout the body in sites such as the peritoneum, mediastinum and head and neck. Ultrasound is an excellent imaging modality in the assessment of soft tissue masses in the head and neck. The ultrasound features demonstrated by this example of solitary fibrous tumour are reviewed. This report also highlights that ultrasound alone is ultimately limited in reaching a definitive diagnosis. The roles of other investigations such as ultrasound-guided biopsy and cross-sectional imaging are discussed.

Keywords: Diagnostic imaging; head and neck; tumour; ultrasound; ultrasound appearances.

Figure 1

Ultrasound power Doppler in transverse section demonstrating a hypoechoic mass with internal vascularity

Figure 2

Spectral Doppler ultrasound confirming non-pulsatile nature of the hypoechoic mass

Figure 3

Axial T1 weighted post contrast MRI demonstrating an enhancing right cheek mass

Figure 4

MRI TRICKS demonstrating a venous sac covering the right cheek, appearance suggestive of a vascular anomaly