A Case of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor at the Upper Medial Canthal Region

Song, Seung Han; Kang, Nak Heon; Suh, Kwang Sun

Abstract

PURPOSE: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor(IMT) is characterized by clonal proliferation of myofibroblastic spindle cells and accompanied by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. IMT is an uncommon lesion reported to arise in various organs, and is believed to be a reactive inflammatory condition. IMT forms a spectrum of lesions ranging from benign, infection-related lesions to low- grade malignancies, capable of local recurrences and rarely distant metastasis. IMT occurs mostly in the lung, but rarely in the craniofacial region.
METHODS
A 28-year-old male with painless swelling in the medial canthal area was referred to our department for the last 2 months. A 2cm sized mass was palpated. He was treated with complete local excision.
RESULTS
In the study by computerized tomography, a 2.0x0.8x1.0cm mass was found in the subcutaneous tissue layer. Grossly, the mass was well-circumscribed, smooth-surfaced, flesh colored, and hard. The tumor was well demarcated from the other tissues. Histopathologic examinations showed bland spindle- shaped cells loosely arranged with scattered lymphoid cells. Immunohistochemical examinations demonstrated a positive reactivity for alpha-SMA and a negative reactivity for desmin and CD34. No recurrence was noted 12 months after surgery.
CONCLUSION
Emphasis is given to complete resection of the tumor for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Further evaluation to find other lesions in different sites should be considered. Continued follow-up is recommended.