Background: Aggressive fibromatosis (AF) involving bones of the head is rare and surgery is often complicated by a high recurrence rate. Interdisciplinary treatment is of the utmost importance to avoid extensive, mutilating resection. Two cases emphasize the difficulties in the management.
Case reports: A 67-year-old woman was referred to our unit with a blepharochalasis of the left upper palpebra and a palsy of the face on the left side. Her medical history included 12 operations over the previous 4 years for an extensive AF.
Material and methods: Our review includes all case reports of AF involving bones of the head published between 1960 and 2004. Additionally, our two cases are presented. Signs, symptoms and outcome were analyzed in relation to different treatment options.
Conclusion: According to the literature, surgery is the most common treatment for AF in the head and neck region. Alternative modes of therapy must be considered because of the high recurrence rate and to avoid mutilating operations.