Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma, but is relatively uncommon in head and neck area. Histologically, it is difficult to distinguish this tumor from other sarcomas and carcinomas. Surgery is the most reliable treatment for MFH, but the 5-year survival rate for cases of this tumor in the head and neck is low in comparison with MFH of the extremities and trunk. Around 61 cases reported in the international literature since 1974.
Malignant fibrous histiocytomas can arise from soft tissue or bone. Their occurrence is most common in the soft tissues of the abdomen and extremities, while 23% of histiocytomas occur at osseous sites. Although they can be found in the head and neck region, their occurrence is uncommon, accounting for 3–8.5% of the cases.The peak occurrence is in persons aged 50–70 years. A slight male predominance is observed. They can occur everywhere, owing to their mesenchymal origin.The most common sites of occurrence in the head and neck, are the sino-nasal
tract,soft tissues of the neck, craniofacial bones, and salivary glands. A literature search showed around 61 well-documented cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma arising at the maxilla, maxillary sinuses and zygoma.
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