[Facial infantile aggressive fibromatosis: a frequent localization of an exceptional tumor!]

Abstract

Introduction: Although fibromatosis is considered as benign tumor, it can have significant morbidity, particularly when it occurs in the head and neck. Their propensity for infiltrative local growth with encroachment on vital structures and their tendency to recur make fibromatoses of the head and neck extremely challenging lesions.

Case report: We report the case of a 10-year-old boy with desmoid fibromatosis of the upper lip. For this patient, the medical treatment has been decided to avoid a mutilating surgery. He had a good result with chemotherapy using methotrexate and vinblastine.

Discussion: According to the literature, surgery is the most common treatment of fibromatosis in the head and neck region. However, particularly in children, alternative modes of therapy must be considered because of the high recurrence rate and to avoid mutilating operations. Chemotherapy using methotrexate and vinblastine may be a reasonable choice.