Fibromatosis of the neck causing airway obstruction managed effectively with weekly low-dose methotrexate and vinblastine

Henry Sze; M W Yeung

Fibromatosis of the neck causing airway obstruction managed effectively with weekly low-dose methotrexate and vinblastine

Hong Kong Med J. 2009 Jun;15(3):221-3.

Authors

Henry Sze¹, M W Yeung

Affiliation

¹ Department of Clinical Oncology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong. henrysze@graduate.hku.hk

PMID: 19494380

Abstract

Fibromatosis is a rare disease with benign histology. Its infiltrative growth pattern may prevent complete resection. We report a case of a 40-year-old woman with fibromatosis of the neck requiring an emergency operation for acute upper airway obstruction. Gross residual tumour was left behind but excellent tumour shrinkage was achieved by using weekly low-dose methotrexate and vinblastine. Despite the use of newer agents such as imatinib, cytotoxic chemotherapy remains an efficacious treatment for inoperable fibromatosis.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Adult
Airway Obstruction / etiology*
Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
Female
Fibroma / complications*
Fibroma / diagnostic imaging
Fibroma / drug therapy*
Head and Neck Neoplasms / complications*
Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy*
Humans
Methotrexate / administration & dosage*
Radiography
Vinblastine / administration & dosage*

Substances

Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
Vinblastine
Methotrexate