Radiographic evaluation of malignant fibrous histiocytoma affecting maxillary alveolar bone: A report of 2 cases

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic findi ngs of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) and to discuss the contribution of these findings to a differentiation of MFH from other malignant tumors of the head and neck. Study design. Two cases of MFH of the maxillary sinus affecting the alveola r bone were evaluated radiographically and scintigraphically. Results. We reported the following findings, which have only seldom been de scribed: the presence of fairly well-demarcated bone destruction in the int raoral radiograph; the relatively smooth surface, uniform density, or no ne crotic area of the tumor; in computed tomograph images showing the clear se paration of the tumor from surrounding soft tissues; bone scintigraphs refl ecting the periosteal reaction to tumor invasion; and lymphoscintigraphy of the metastatic lymph nodes. Conclusion. We evaluated the radiographic findings from 2 cases of MFH and describe findings that may aid in the differentiation of MFH. These radiogr aphic features may help dentists differentiate MFH from other malignant tum ors in the head and neck, although MFH is a rare disease and there are no r adiographic findings that would indicate a specific diagnosis of MFH.