Giant Myxomas of the Maxillofacial Skeleton and Skull Base

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience with patients diagnosed with giant myxomas of the maxillofacial skeleton. STUDY DESIGN: All patients undergoing excision of myxomas of the head and neck from September 1998 through September 2003 with a minimum follow-up of 1 year by the senior author (YD) were included in the study. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted to select all patients who met the inclusion criteria. Clinical presentation, preoperative radiology findings, excisions performed, reconstruction, and follow-up were recorded and reported. RESULTS: Four patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. All underwent wide en bloc excision of the tumor with various reconstructions. Complete resection was achieved in each case, and no patients have had evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Giant myxomas of the maxillofacial skeleton have been reported to have significant rates of recurrence. Wide en bloc resection with appropriate reconstruction can result in excellent quality of life postoperatively and minimize the risk of recurrence. Lesser resections may not be appropriate especially in giant myxomas because of the potential morbidity that would be associated with a multifocal recurrence.