Extracranial Meningioma Presenting as an Eyebrow Mass.

Abstract

Meningiomas originate in the central nervous system and are the most common intracranial benign tumor. However, although rarely, they can develop extracranially. Primary extracranial meningiomas are frequently misdiagnosed, resulting in inappropriate clinical management. The most common sites of extracranial meningiomas include the skull, scalp, orbit, nose, paranasal sinuses, middle ear, neck, and skin. A 77-year-old woman presented with a mass on her left eyebrow. Computed tomography revealed an enhancing soft tissue mass in the left frontal area. The differential diagnoses included benign and malignant tumors. The patient underwent surgical excision by a direct approach, with dissection through the galea plane. Histological examination showed tumor cells arranged in sheets or whorls, with occasional psammoma bodies. The margins were free of tumor. The mass measured 2.1 × 1.1 × 2 cm, and was diagnosed as an extracranial meningioma. The patient had no recurrence 1 year later. Extracranial meningiomas are rare; nonetheless, ectopic meningioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any mass lesion in the eyebrow region.