Nodular fasciitis of the head and neck: case report and review of literature

Abstract

Nodular fasciitis is a benign tumour arising from the proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. A relatively rare occurrence in the head and neck, we present a case of nodular fasciitis located over the left zygoma of a patient. To expound on this, a review of literature was performed on cases of nodular fasciitis that have been previously reported. The objective of this study was to review the incidence, average demographic, characteristics and the outcome of management of patients with nodular fasciitis in the head and neck. We found a total of 46 cases of nodular fasciitis in the head and neck. The average size of the lesion was 2.16�cm. Majority of the head and neck nodular fasciitis (63.0�%) was located in the oral cavity, 28.3�% was on the facial region and the remaining 8.7�% was located on the neck. Of the 13 lesions present on the face, most of them were located over the midface (zygoma, parotid or cheek), with only three cases present on the mentum and none over the forehead. The incidence of associated trauma is 18.5�%. Nodular fasciitis in the head and neck region have been well documented in literature and should be considered as a differential for lesions in the head and neck region. With proper work-up and approach, this benign condition can be managed appropriately with good overall prognosis and minimal morbidity. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study. � 2016, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.