Abstract
Background
Fibromatosis is an aggressive fibrous tumor of unknown etiology that is, in some cases, lethal. Until now, there has been no particular classification for the head and neck. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to review the current literature in order to propose a new classification for future studies.
Methods
An evidence-based literature review was conducted from the last 40 years regarding aggressive fibromatosis in the head and neck. Studies that summarized patients’ data without including individual data were excluded.
Results
Between 1968 and 2008, 179 cases with aggressive fibromatosis of the head and neck were published. The male to female ratio was 91 to 82 with a mean age of 16.87 years, and 57.32% of the described cases that involved the head and neck were found in patients under 11 years. The most common localization was the mandible, followed by the neck. All together, 143 patients were followed up, and in 43 (30.07%), a recurrence was seen.
Conclusion
No clear prognostic factors for recurrence (age, sex, or localization) were observed. A new classification with regard to hormone receptors and bone involvement could improve the understanding of risk factors and thereby assist in future studies.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Hildegard Eschle, senior librarian of the Dental School at the University Zurich, for helping with the literature research.
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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Kruse, A.L., Luebbers, H.T., Grätz, K.W. et al. Aggressive fibromatosis of the head and neck: a new classification based on a literature review over 40 years (1968–2008). Oral Maxillofac Surg 14, 227–232 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-010-0227-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-010-0227-8