Tumefactive fibroinflammatory lesion of the head and neck treated with steroids: a case report

Tumefactive fibroinflammatory lesion is an idiopathic fibrosclerosing disorder of the head and neck region that clinically simulates a malignant process, but is histologically benign. This lesion is believed to be part of a broader fibrosclerotic syndrome that includes idiopathic mediastinal and retroperitoneal fibrosis, sclerosing cholangitis and Riedel's thyroiditis. The tumefactive fibroinflammatory lesion differs from other fibrosing conditions encountered in the head and neck region: fibromatoses, nodular fasciitis and fibrosarcomas. Although there is no optimum treatment, steroid therapy is suggested as the first line of management. Our patient was treated with corticosteroids and had a favourable response, supporting this approach as the initial treatment.