Chondromyxoid fibroma of the mastoid: A rare entity with comprehensive literature review

Abstract

Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is the least commonly occurring bone tumor of cartilaginous origin. It is usually situated in the metaphysis of long bones of the lower limbs. Localization of the tumor in the skull is extremely rare. The definitive diagnosis is challenging and depends on radiological and histological examinations. To the best of our knowledge, only 14 cases of CMF involving the temporal bone have been reported to date, 7 of which were within the mastoid. The most common clinical symptom is headache; however, these symptoms vary greatly according to site, size, and extension of the lesion. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice. A literature review of the diagnostic challenges, histological difficulties in differential diagnosis, imaging, clinical features, and recommended modalities of treatment have been discussed in the present case.