Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Of The Maxillary Sinus: Three Case Reports And Review Of The Literature

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare lesion composed of myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells of uncertain etiology and disputed nosology. It was first reported by Brunn in 1939.Because of these unknown factors, IMT was referred to by several different terms until the World Health Organization (WHO) classified IMT as a distinct entity in 1994. This type of tumor is recently considered neoplastic rather than inflammatory. The tumor occurs most commonly in the lungs . IMT rarely occurs in the nasal sinus, so we know less about it. We reported three cases of IMT in the maxillary sinus , and the literatures were reviewed. IMT which occurs in nasal sinus is found commonly in maxillary sinus, often with destroy of bones and soft tissue. The CT and MRI can help to provide some helpful information, yet the definite diagnosis relies on pathology. Included in the treatment modalities of IMT are surgical excision, chemotherapy, radiation, and corticosteroid. Approach to these tumors should relay primarily on surgical resection. The main problem with the IMT of the maxillary sinus is the likelihood that they can be confused clinically and radio graphically with a malignant process. It's a tumor with local malignant behavior, suggesting combined therapy. Even with such a treatment plan it may repeatedly recur.