Giant malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the face: case report of microsurgical repair using a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap
Fibrohistiocitoma maligno gigante de face: tratamento reparador microcirúrgico utilizando retalho miocutâneo transverso do reto do abdome - Relato de caso

INTRODUCTION

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm (sarcoma) of soft tissues in which histiocytes act as facultative fibroblasts or some elements of the primitive mesenchyme give rise to fibroblasts and histiocytes^1-4; malignant fibrous histiocytoma can occur anywhere in the body. Due to tumor aggression, complete and early resection of the lesion with free margins accompanied by regional lymph node excision is the therapeutic approach indicated in all cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma^2,5.

The resection of large invasive tumors of the head and neck can result in extensive and complex defects, leading to the exposure of vital structures as well as direct communication between the oronasopharynx and the brain, thus requiring immediate repair. These patients may have significant limitations, with high morbidity rates and decreased quality of life^6,7.

Accordingly, several microsurgical flaps have been used to repair defects of the head and neck region¹. Several studies have asserted the superiority of free musculocutaneous flaps over fasciocutaneous flaps, the most common being the rectus abdominis flap, although the anterolateral free thigh flap is also widely used^6,8-11.

The advantages of using the rectus abdominis flap include its low incidence of complications, the ease of its elevation, and the presence of a long, large-caliber, and constant vascular pedicle represented by the deep inferior epigastric artery^8,11.

Thus, the objective of this case report is to present the microsurgical repair of a patient with a malignant giant fibrous histiocytoma of the face using a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap.

CASE REPORT

This study was performed in accordance with the precepts of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Nuremberg Code respecting the Research Regulations Involving Human Beings (Resolution CNS 196/96) of the National Health Council. This retrospective study used data obtained through semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and documentary assessments that included the patient’s medical records; these steps were performed after approval of the draft project by the Research and Extension Nucleus of Medicine and Ethics Commission of the State University of Pará and authorized by the Clinical Director of the Ophir Loyola Hospital and the patient through an informed consent form.

History

A 56-year-old man sought medical care for a giant tumor lesion in the right hemiface. He reported that it first developed in 1995 as an erythematous papule in the right malar region and progressively grew to an ulcerative-vegetative lesion on the face. The patient sought medical assistance with the initial diagnosis of American cutaneous leishmaniasis and treatment with N-methyl glucamine; without improvement, a biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma, for which he was referred to our service for radiotherapy (RT).

Two years after the initial treatment, a new lesion emerged in the right hemiface accompanied by local burning pain for which new RT sessions were instituted.

Five years later, in 2002, a fast-growing ulcerative mass appeared on the scar lesion produced by RT and was accompanied by local moderate-intensity pain and the secretion of a foul-smelling purulent bloody fluid.

On performing a physical examination, it was found that the patient was emaciated with a hyperemic ulcerative-vegetative lesion with a giant necrotic and infected center in the right hemiface that extended to the ipsilateral orbit measuring 11 × 10 cm and with inflammatory signs (Figure 1). The patient’s right hand was missing as a result of a work accident. Examinations of the thorax and abdomen were unaltered, and a hemogram revealed hypochromic and microcytic anemia and leukocytosis.

Figure 1 - Ulcerative-vegetative tumor with a necrotic and infected center in the right hemiface.

Figure 1 - Ulcerative-vegetative tumor with a necrotic and infected center in the right hemiface.

Computed tomography of the skull revealed a large expansive process with a vegetating aspect and poorly defined borders compromising soft parts; signs of bone destruction of the walls of the zygomatic arch; impairment of the right temporal muscle; and an intimate relationship with the right eyelid region and the anterior edge of the eyeball.

In 2003, the tumor was resected, followed by microsurgical reconstruction with a TRAM flap.

Surgical technique

The procedure began with a perilesional incision and careful dissection of the tumor lesion, followed by excision of the tumor that involved the masseter and right temporal muscles, parotid gland, orbital floor dissection to the right, and malar bone and submandibular lymph node dissection to the right.

Subsequently, a surgical incision was made in the hypogastric area, including the entire infraumbilical area, which was 21 × 37 cm in its major dimensions, and the hypogastric segment was detached accompanied by dissection of the deep inferior epigastric artery (IEA) and ligation of the vein and the IEA with removal of the microsurgical flap.

Dissection of the facial artery and vein was done using a 40× magnification microscope, and venous and arterial end-to-end anastomoses of the facial vein and artery with IEA vessels using 10-0 mononylon wire were performed. Patency and flow success were verified using appropriate microsurgical instruments, followed by fixation of the TRAM flap in the resected area using Vicryl 2-0 wire (Figure 2).

Figure 2 - Photograph taken in the immediate .postoperative period.

Figure 2 - Photograph taken in the immediate .postoperative period.

RESULTS

After the surgical procedure, the patient was transferred to the Intensive Therapy Center, where he remained for 2 days and was medicated with dobutamine and dopamine for hypotension. The flap was viable with good perfusion and no signs of ischemia; antibiotic therapy was continued.

On the fifth postoperative day, a purulent secretion was noted in the drain. A new antibiotic regimen was initiated; after some adjustments due to diarrheal episodes, it was maintained until discharge 16 days after surgery when the patient was in a good general condition with an intact TRAM flap.

A histopathological examination of the collected material showed poorly differentiated epidermoid carcinoma, Broders grade III. An immunohistochemical evaluation with HMB-45, S-100, vimentin, PCNA, AE1, and AE2 antigens and cytokeratin showed that the lesion was of mesenchymal origin and was compatible with malignant fibrous histiocytoma with high proliferative activity.

Eight months after surgery, the patient returned to the outpatient clinic with an intact flap with good perfusion and no signs of infection or increased volume. The suture line was in a good scarring condition. He reported a difference in the skin coloration of his face and the flap. Deviation of the labial commissure to the left was evident, as was weakness in the abdominal wall in the flap donor area.

DISCUSSION

Here we opted to use a TRAM flap to correct facial defects after tumor excision for its functional and esthetic advantages⁹, absence of previous abdominal surgeries in the patient, technical ease of the flap dissection by a qualified professional, previous tumor resection not requiring a change in decubitus, and the flap’s versatility.

Studies have indicated that necrosis of the transferred flap is the most common complication of this microsurgical repair technique^6,12; previous RT is a risk factor due to its effects on recipient vessels. This causes greater difficulty with vessel dissection and the preparation for vascular anastomosis^6,13.

However, in this study, no necrosis of the TRAM flap was observed despite a history of RT. Another complication is incisional hernia in the donor area, which can easily be circumvented with the use of an absorbable suture without reinforcement and synthetic material mesh^6,8,10 in the follow-up period (12 months). In this case, fragility of the abdominal wall (donor area) was observed after flap withdrawal as described elsewhere in the literature.

The difference in color between the skin of the face and the flap as reported in the literature was quite visible in this patient in the initial phase, but it decreased gradually over time⁶.

Regarding the clinical manifestation of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, this case was uncommon since such tumors in the head and neck region are rare, the condition is more common in children, and the tumor is usually 1-2 cm in diameter according to the literature surveyed^1-4. This case involved an 11-cm tumor in a sexagenarian.

CONCLUSIONS

Microsurgical facial reconstruction, especially using a TRAM flap, enables the head and neck surgeon to perform large tumor resections and preserve the quality of life of cancer patients.