Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia with cystic degeneration – A diagnostic challenge

Abstract

Benign fibro-osseous lesions with cystic degenerations have been scarcely reported in craniofacial bones and its unusual characteristics pose a diagnostic challenge. Here, we report a case of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia presenting a large cystic degeneration. A 55-year-old woman had a history of pain, slight asymmetry on the zygomatic region and ocular pressure. Computed tomography revealed on the right side, multiple craniofacial bones showing a ground glass aspect, associated with an extensive hypodense, unilocular, well circumscribed lesion in the maxilla, and smaller lesions in the sphenoid bone. After a surgical procedure performed in another service, there was a complete improvement in symptoms, and after 1 year, the patient remains stable, with no changes. In the literature review, thirty-three reported cases of the same association in the craniofacial region were found. The main symptoms were sudden increase in the lesion and pain, and the indication of intervention in cystic lesions was only indicated in symptomatic cases or functional deficit. The knowledge of the possibility of the association of benign fibro-osseous lesions and cystic degenerations in craniofacial bones is essential to perform a correct diagnosis and treatment for these patients, consequently avoiding unnecessary procedures.