Giant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Retropharyngeal Space: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Abstract

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an uncommon spindle cell neoplasm, which generally arises from the pleura. There have been documented a number of extrapleural origins including the head and neck in the literature. It is emphasized to make a diagnosis in a rare location such as the retropharyngeal space. We present a case of a 54-year-old man diagnosed with giant solitary retropharyngeal SFT. Clinical symptoms were pharyngeal foreign body sensation and dysphagia associated with dyspnea. Physical examination showed a sizable submucosal mass under the posterior pharyngeal wall, which partially obstructed the upper aerodigestive tract. With radiologic images to evaluate the dimension and relationship with surrounding structures, the tumor was surgically removed en bloc via a transcervical approach. The histology and immunohistochemistry play a crucial role in differential diagnosis. Complete surgical excision is an alternative and curative strategy.