title: Inflammatory focal myositis of the sternomastoid muscle: is there an absolute indication for biopsy? A case report and review of the literature.
abstract: Focal myositis is a localised inflammatory process affecting skeletal muscles belonging to the pathological group of inflammatory pseudo tumours of soft tissue that includes myositis ossificans, proliferative myositis and nodular pseudosarcomatous fasciitis. Very rarely, it may affect one of the neck muscles and present as a neck lump, in which case both the clinical and pathological picture can mimic a sarcoma. We describe a case of focal myositis of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, present a review of this rare condition and debate the necessity of biopsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Whipps Cross Hospital, Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone, E11 1NR, UK. cgeorgalas1@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Georgalas
authors.forename: Lekha
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kapoor
authors.forename: Ha
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chau
authors.forename: Abir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bhattacharyya
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009220:Myositis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed