Background: Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), is a soft tissue sarcoma that occurs predominantly in the soft tissue of the extremities. It rarely occurs in facial bones. Few cases in the jaws have been reported.
Objective: To report and review the relevant clinicopathologic features of 5 cases of jaw MFHin Nigerians.
Methods: All cases in the records of the Department of Oral Pathology of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital which were histologically diagnosed as MFH were retrieved. Hematoxylin and eosin slides of cases were re-examined to confirm diagnosis. Information retrieved included age, sex, location, x-ray, estimated duration, recurrence, and histological presentation. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistical package.
Results: Age ranged between 12-42 years with a male sex predilection (3 cases/60.0%) and sole maxillary site predilection (5 cases/100.0%). Estimated duration of lesion ranged from 2 -12 months. Two cases recurred post surgical treatment. All cases presented as the storiform-pleomorphic type with one case presenting with a delicate/scanty connective tissue stroma. Chronic inflammation was scanty in the two cases that recurred.
Conclusion: MFH of the jaws is rare among Nigerians. Its clinico radiological presentation maymimick other more aggressive or less benign lesions of the jaws thereby resulting in misdiagnosis and in appropriate patient management.