Transoral surgical approach to solitary fibrous tumors in buccal space with infratemporal tumor extension: A case report

A solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) is a rare spindle-cell neoplasm of mesenchymal origin usually located in the pleura. It has been recently described as occurring in various head and neck sites, including the oral cavity. The purpose of this article is to report a case of SFT originating in the buccal space and extending into the infratemporal space treated by means of transoral approach surgery. A 25-year-old female patient reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Universitas Airlangga Hospital, chiefly complaining of a painless lump in the left cheek which had been present for nine months. The diagnosis was arrived at on the basis of a combination of clinical investigation, imaging studies and histopathological examination (biopsy). The surgical approach involved transoral incision through the buccal mucosa. An SFT of buccal space may extend to nearby structures producing the anatomical challenge of removal through a transoral approach. Excisional biopsy involving a transoral approach is, nevertheless, considered appropriate because it produces an attractive aesthetic appearance, reduces morbidity from nerve/ vascular/ gland injury and promotes more effective healing. Key words: Solitary fibrous tumor, buccal space, infratemporal space, transoral approach.