Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the head and neck

Eight cases, the largest series of malignant fibrous histiocytomas of the head and neck to date, are reported. In over one-half of the cases, the initial problems encountered in the case made the true diagnosis misleading. For correct diagnosis multiple biopsies may be required. The diagnosis is further confirmed by the clinical behavior of the tumor and its site, size, and depth of involvement. Four specific histopathologic variants are described. Wide surgical excision is the preferrred treatment. The potential role of adjunctive irradiation should be considered.