Preoperative chemotherapy and surgical resection for aggressive fibromatosis of the head and neck: A case report

Aggressive fibromatosis in infancy is a tumor of fibrous tissue origin with a tendency toward local soft tissue and bone invasion, and a propensity toward recurrence after surgical resection in up to two thirds of patients. The nomenclature is confusing, and the histologic appearance plus the biologic behavior of the tumor have led to its classification as a well-differentiated fibrosarcoma. In the present case report, treatment of a tumor in the region of the mandible in the child consisted of systemic chemotherapy followed by surgical resection. The reduction in size of the lesion enabled a resection to be performed which preserved function and cosmesis of the lower face.