Nodular fasciitis of the infraorbital rim in an adult patient.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Nodular fasciitis is a fibroblastic proliferation in which nodules develop rapidly. It most commonly affects the extremities followed by the trunk and occasionally the head and neck.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Case report.

RESULTS

A 32-year-old male was seen with a 4-month history of a painless infraorbital mass. On examination, a swelling was palpable anterior to the left infraorbital rim. There was some depression of the left corner of his mouth. Computerized tomography showed soft tissue swelling anterior to the left maxillary antrum which, also, appeared to be diseased. The mass was thought to be malignant owing to the short history, associated facial asymmetry and maxillary sinus opacity. Excisional biopsy was performed. Histology proved it to be nodular fasciitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of otolaryngologists being aware of this entity is stressed. Simple excision, as tissue sparing as possible, is the treatment of choice.