Myxoma of the skull and orbit

Orbital myxoma: A case report

Background:

Myxomas are rare, locally infiltrative, benign neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. Although benign, these tumors are locally aggressive with a high rate of recurrence following conservative resection. Their relative infrequency, variable location, and insidious growth present a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. Cases of myxomas have been described throughout the body, but intraosseous myxomas of the orbit are exceedingly rare.

Case Description:

We report a case of a 53-year-old male with a history of chronic sinusitis and symptoms of hyposmia and bifrontal headaches refractory medical management who presented for neurosurgical evaluation after radiographic findings of an orbital lesion. Physical examination was unremarkable with intact extraocular movements. Prior radiographic workup demonstrated a 2.4 × 2.7 × 2.2 cm expansile lesion involving the bony left superior and lateral orbit. A prior open biopsy was performed which demonstrated a low-grade spindle cell neoplasm consistent with intraosseous myxoma. Definitive resection was recommended through the left orbitozygomatic craniotomy. The patient tolerated the procedure well without complications. Gross total resection was achieved. Reconstruction of the orbital roof and lateral orbital wall was performed with a frontal bone autograft and titanium plating. Postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home postoperative day 2. At 1-month follow-up visit, the patient remained neurologically intact. Surveillance imaging at 6 months and 1 year remained stable without signs of recurrence.

Conclusion:

Intraosseous orbital myxomas are exceedingly rare entities. Although they are considered benign neoplasms, myxomas demonstrate high recurrence rates. The authors report a unique case of an orbital myxoma that was successfully treated through an orbitozygomatic approach achieving gross total resection.

Isolated intraosseous extra-gnathic orbital myxoma: a clinicopathologic case report

A 19-year-old female student presented with painless, progressive proptosis in the right eye for the past six months causing significant cosmetic blemish and double vision. Clinical evaluation revealed normal visual acuity, normal pupillary reflex, severe proptosis, and dystopia. Orbital imaging revealed a heterogeneous mass in superior orbit displacing the globe inferiorly and causing extensive bony erosion of frontal bone superiorly and invading the frontal sinus. Excision biopsy was performed with en-bloc removal of the tumor. Surgical delivery of a slimy mass with infiltrated bony tissue led to a presumptive diagnosis of myxoid liposarcoma. Careful histopathologic analysis coupled with immunohistochemical studies were performed which established the rare diagnosis of low-grade myxoid spindle cell neoplasm with features suggestive of intraosseous myxoma. On follow-up at 15 months, our patient revealed no signs of recurrence. Isolated intraosseous orbital myxoma is a rare entity; only two such cases have been reported in the literature.

Radiographic and histological findings in an atypical orbital myxoma

Myxomas are rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. Diagnostic evaluation requires histopathological confirmation. We report a rare case of atypical orbital myxoma with radiographic and histopathological correlation.

[Myxoma of the middle ear-a rare cause of facial palsy]

In case of the co-occurrence of facial palsy and inflammation-like symptoms of the same ear, the differential diagnosis is focused on viral (herpes zoster) or bacterial diseases. We report a patient for whom the surgical exploration of the middle ear revealed a benign tumor: a myxoma. These neoplasias are rare tumors in the head and neck region. The typical tumor site is the atrium of heart. In the ear, the tumor grows slowly and remains asymptomatic unless it irritates structures such as the facial nerve or the vestibular organ. Histologically, the tumor presents a "myxoid" matrix that is rich in acid mucopolysaccarides. The treatment of choice is complete surgical resection. Using the case presented, we discuss the causality between the tumor and the facial palsy, although during the operation the bony canal of the nerve was found to be intact. In any cases with clinically and radiologically unclear findings of the ear in connection with facial palsy, surgical exposure should be considered.