Fibroxanthosarcoma of the head and neck

Fibroxanthosarcoma is a variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma probably derived from the primitive tissue histiocyte. It occurs rarely in the head and neck. This lesion may be confused with the benign atypical fibroxanthoma. However, newer histologic criteria may allow definitive differential diagnosis which is important because of the agressive biologic behavior of fibroxanthosarcoma. Aggressive initial surgery with a consideration of regional lymphadenopathy offers the best chance for cure.