Unusual Tumors of the Jaws in Children

Abstract

Objective: Present 3 cases of unusual pediatric jaw tumors, including the first reported case in the literature of an immature teratoma of the maxillary sinus.

Method: Retrospective chart review of 3 patients who presented to a tertiary care center with rare jaw tumors over 15 years. Cases include a desmoplastic fibroma of the maxilla, an immature teratoma of the maxillary sinus, and infantile fibromatosis of the mandible. Their clinical presentation, imaging, pathology, treatment, and outcomes are reviewed.

Results: Three unusual pediatric jaw tumors were identified. An 18-month-old boy with a desmoplastic fibroma of the left anterior maxilla underwent surgical excision and is disease-free after 12 months. A 10-year-old boy presented with an immature teratoma of the right maxillary sinus and underwent wide surgical resection with primary reconstruction and postoperative chemotherapy. His tumor recurred requiring a maxillectomy after which he remained disease free. A 10-month-old boy presented with infantile fibromatosis of the right mandible and underwent surgical resection. His tumor recurred after 4 months requiring a hemi-mandibulectomy with reconstruction. He has been disease free for 5 years.

Conclusion: Jaw tumors in children are relatively uncommon and have a broad differential diagnosis. We present 3 rare cases, including the first reported case in the literature of an immature teratoma of the maxillary sinus. This case series may help guide care for these complepatients given the paucity of literature.