Desmoid tumor in the maxillary sinus

Abstract

Desmoid tumor or desmoid-type fibromatosis is a benign but aggressive tumor that usually arises from the musculoaponeurotic structures in the body. It is very rare accounting for less than 3% of all soft-tissue tumors. Intra-abdominal and extra abdominal forms of this disease have been identified in the literature. Mandible, tongue, mastoid process, and maxilla are the most common subsites affected by the tumor in the head and neck region. Occurrence of desmoid tumors in the paranasal sinus is extremely rare, and only very few cases were reported in the literature especially in Nigeria. We present a case of desmoid tumor occurring in the maxillary sinus of a 29-year-old lady from Nigeria. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and successful treatment of desmoid tumor are discussed. Desmoid-type fibromatosis is an aggressive benign tumor that rarely occurs in the maxilla. It can progressively increase in size, leading to facial disfigurement. Meticulous surgery is necessary to ensure adequate resection of the tumor and at the same time avoiding damage to vital surrounding structures.