Endoscopic Resection of Solitary Fibrous Tumors of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses

Abstract

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are uncommon neoplasms of mesenchymal origin that were first described as primary spindle-cell tumors of the pleura in 1931. Since then, infrequent case reports of extrapleural SFTs have been described including various subsites within the head and neck. Based on a review of the literature and a description of the endoscopic treatment of three patients with SFTs of the nasal cavity and ethmoid sinuses, the challenges associated with the management of sinonasal SFTs are discussed. Successful endoscopic resection was performed at a tertiary referral rhinology practice within a university center in three cases of sinonasal SFTs with no evidence of recurrence at 26, 35, and 49 months following resection. Summarized are the common presenting symptoms, appropriate diagnostic workup, and indicative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging appearance of SFTs. Further discussed are the challenge associated with accurate histological and immunohistochemical diagnosis, the difficulty in assessing the aggressiveness and malignant potential of these lesions, and the appropriate treatment and follow-up duration that these neoplasms require.