Myofibroma of the Jawbones: Radiologic Features and Clinico-Pathologic Correlations

Objectives: Myofibroma, the most common fibrous tumor of childhood, frequently manifests as a solitary soft tissue tumor and, to a less extent, as simultaneous multiple tumors in both soft tissues and bones. However, solitary bone lesions are rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiological and clinical features of myofibroma of the jawbones. Methods: A total of 24 cases (20 from the English-language literature and four new cases) were studied and evaluated with emphasis on the radiologic features. Results: Age at time of initial diagnosis ranged from 0 to 34 years (mean 7 years). The male-to-female ratio was 2.4:1. All myofibromas of the jawbones were solitary lesions located solely in the mandible. Of the lesions, 70.6% presented as a unilocular radiolucency, 72% exhibited well-defined borders and only 38.9% had a sclerotic rim. Significant thinning or perforation of the cortical plates was found in 36% of the cases and tooth involvement in 66.7%. Thirteen patients were treated with conservative surgery and 4 with extensive surgery. In those cases where follow up information was provided, none of the lesions recurred during follow up periods ranging from 6 months to 10 years. Conclusions: Although myofibroma of the jawbones is a rare lesion, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unilocular radiolucent lesions in the mandible, especially in children. Conservative surgery should be the treatment of choice in order to minimize potential functional and/or esthetic damage in young patients. This study was supported by the Ed and Herb Stein Chair in Oral Pathology, Tel-Aviv University.