Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (inflammatory pseudotumor) of the maxillary sinus mimicking malignancy: a case report of an unusual location (is that a true neoplasm?)

Abstract

The inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a space-occupying lesion of unknown etiology and a distinctive but controversial lesion. This type of tumor is recently considered neoplastic rather than inflammatory. It is usually occurring during childhood, composed of fascicles of bland myofibroblastic cells admixed with a prominent inflammatory infiltrate consisting of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils. IMT of the maxilla is very rare. The diagnosis of IMT can be made on the basis of histopathology and immunohistoche-mistry. Herein, we presented a patient who had IMT of the maxillary sinus that was initially misinterpreted as a malignant neoplasm upon clinical and radiographic examinations. We discussed the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and may consider it a true neoplasm.