Aggressive Fibromatosis of the Parapharyngeal Space: Two Cases and Treatment Recommendations

Abstract

Aggressive fibromatosis is an uncommon tumor that is locally aggressive but not malignant. Therefore, its classification falls between the benign and malignant neoplasms of soft-tissue origin. In the past, these lesions were misdiagnosed as low-grade fibrosarcomas. Otolaryngologists should be familiar with these lesions because as many as 15% of them occur in the head and neck. The treatment of choice is wide surgical excision, which is often difficult. Postexcision recurrence rates are high. Nonsurgical treatment includes radiation and chemotherapy, both of which are usually reserved for recurrences. We describe two cases of aggressive fibromatosis of the parapharyngeal space, and we review the available treatment options.