BACKGROUND: Osseous "bone-derived" myxoma is a benign, slow-growing, locally invasive tumor that is found exclusively in the facial skeleton. Although recurrence is frequent, uncontrolled growth is not classic. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report the case of a patient with myxoma of the maxilla in which the growth of the myxoma was so invasive that it resulted in destruction and deformation of the facial skeleton even after repeated resections. Eventually, destruction and infiltration of the skull base with a fatal outcome was the result. CONCLUSIONS: This case of locally aggressive myxoma of the maxilla illustrates the need for a correct primary treatment of this benign tumor. Although complete resection may result in a significant functional and aesthetic mutilation, incomplete primary removal results in high recurrence rates. Therefore, a radical primary resection of the tumor with maximal preservation of surrounding anatomic structures is necessary. Follow-up should be meticulous and based upon regular clinical and radiographic examinations.
BACKGROUND: Osseous "bone-derived" myxoma is a benign, slow-growing, locally invasive tumor that is found exclusively in the facial skeleton. Although recurrence is frequent, uncontrolled growth is not classic. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report the case of a patient with myxoma of the maxilla in which the growth of the myxoma was so invasive that it resulted in destruction and deformation of the facial skeleton even after repeated resections. Eventually, destruction and infiltration of the skull base with a fatal outcome was the result. CONCLUSIONS: This case of locally aggressive myxoma of the maxilla illustrates the need for a correct primary treatment of this benign tumor. Although complete resection may result in a significant functional and aesthetic mutilation, incomplete primary removal results in high recurrence rates. Therefore, a radical primary resection of the tumor with maximal preservation of surrounding anatomic structures is necessary. Follow-up should be meticulous and based upon regular clinical and radiographic examinations.