Malignant fibrous xanthoma with metastasis to cerebellopontine angle

Malignant fibrous xanthoma is an uncommon tumor of histiocytic origin. It is a difficult tumor to diagnose, and may have an unpredictable and confusing clinical course. The malignant fibrous xanthoma described herein probably represents the first reported case of metastasis to the cerebellopontine angle. When properly diagnosed, the preferred treatment is wide excision. Metastases are usually to the lungs and regional lymph nodes, and portend a poor prognosis. Radiotherapy appears to be of little value.