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Extracranial Meningioma Presenting as an Eyebrow Mass
Do Hun Lee1, Ho Seup Sim, Jae Ha Hwang
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
Abstract:
Meningiomas originate in the central nervous system and are the most common intracranial benign tumor. However, although rarely, they can develop extracranially. Primary extracranial meningiomas are frequently misdiagnosed, resulting in inappropriate clinical management. The most common sites of extracranial meningiomas include the skull, scalp, orbit, nose, paranasal sinuses, middle ear, neck, and skin. A 77-year-old woman presented with a mass on her left eyebrow. Computed tomography revealed an enhancing soft tissue mass in the left frontal area. The differential diagnoses included benign and malignant tumors. The patient underwent surgical excision by a direct approach, with dissection through the galea plane. Histological examination showed tumor cells arranged in sheets or whorls, with occasional psammoma bodies. The margins were free of tumor. The mass measured 2.1 × 1.1 × 2 cm, and was diagnosed as an extracranial meningioma. The patient had no recurrence 1 year later. Extracranial meningiomas are rare; nonetheless, ectopic meningioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any mass lesion in the eyebrow region.
Insights
Extracranial meningiomas, rare tumors outside the brain, can occur in the eyebrow region. Early diagnosis and surgical removal are crucial for successful treatment and preventing recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors, but can rarely develop extracranially.
- Primary extracranial meningiomas are often misdiagnosed, leading to suboptimal patient management.
- Common sites for extracranial meningiomas include the skull, scalp, orbit, and neck.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old woman presented with a left eyebrow mass.
- Computed tomography identified an enhancing soft tissue mass in the left frontal area.
- Differential diagnoses included various benign and malignant tumors.
Findings:
- Surgical excision revealed a 2.1 × 1.1 × 2 cm mass.
- Histological examination confirmed an extracranial meningioma with characteristic features like psammoma bodies.
- Surgical margins were tumor-free, and the patient experienced no recurrence at 1 year.
Implications:
- Extracranial meningiomas, though rare, must be considered in the differential diagnosis of eyebrow masses.
- Accurate diagnosis is vital for appropriate clinical management of these tumors.
- This case highlights the successful surgical treatment of an eyebrow extracranial meningioma.
