Tumefactive fibroinflammatory lesion of the head and neck: a management strategy

Tumefactive fibroinflammatory lesions are rare, benign, fibrosclerosing masses in the head and neck that appear clinically as malignancies. Twenty-one cases have been described since first reported in 1975. While all authors agree on the lesion's histopathologic characteristics, multiple variations in appearance, treatment, and results have been reported. We review a case and compile all previously reported cases. Common sites of involvement were sinonasal tract (41%), neck (37%), and parotid (23%). Symptoms frequently reported were pain (50%) and hard mass (55%). Five patients (23%) eventually developed extra-head and neck fibrosclerosing lesions. Treatments have included surgery, radiation, and corticosteroids, occasionally in combination. Results have varied depending on size and location of lesion. Based on this review, a discussion of this rare disease and recommendations regarding diagnosis and treatment are given.