title: Nodular fasciitis of the head and neck.
abstract: Nodular fasciitis is an unusual benign reactive process affecting superficial and deep fascia. Its rapid growth, rich cellularity, high mitotic activity and poorly circumscribed nature result in it being easily misdiagnosed as a sarcomatous lesion. Three cases of nodular fasciitis presenting as neck lumps are reported. They were successfully treated with local excision, with no signs of recurrence following two years of follow up. This paper describes the clinical presentation and microscopic features of this rare benign lesion and it emphasizes the need for accurate histopathology and clinical suspicion, if inappropriate aggressive management is to be avoided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Christie Hospital, Manchester M20 4BX, UK. Priyamal.Silva@Christie-tr.nwest.nhs.uk
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Bruce
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Malik
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Homer
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Banerjee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005208:Fasciitis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome