A case of solitary neurofibroma with cystic radiographic characteristics in the maxillary sinus

Abstract

Although neurofibroma often occurs as a local manifestation of von Recklinghausen's disease, solitary lesions are rarely found in the oral and maxillofacial region. We describe an uncommon solitary neurofibroma developing in the maxillary sinus of a 38-year-old man. Panoramic radiographs and computed tomographic examination showed a well-circumscribed cystic lesion in the left maxillary sinus. The lesion was surgically treated by enucleation with radical sinusotomy, performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Histopathological analysis revealed that the lesion was composed of spindleshaped tumor cells supported by a myxomatous stroma. Immunohistochemical examination showed that some tumor cells stained positively against S-100 antibody. Taken together, these findings were compatible with the characteristics of neurofibroma. We have followed up the patient for 3 years. No evidence of recurrence has been found so far.