Undifferentiated sarcoma presenting as a slowly enlarging facial mass.

Head and neck sarcomas are rare and consist of a variety of histologic subtypes. We present a case of undifferentiated/unclassified sarcoma (UUS) of the maxillary sinus, a tumor subtype historically known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) or undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). A 50-year-old female patient presented with worsening facial pain and dysphagia. Physical examination demonstrated a large, ulcerated mass protruding from the oral cavity. Computed tomography demonstrated a large, enhancing mass centered in the right maxillary sinus with local invasion. The initial biopsy was read as "central giant cell granuloma." Conservative management yielded no improvement, and the tumor grew steadily. The patient underwent a total maxillectomy with resection of the orbital floor and an anterior ethmoidectomy, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. In addition to treatment of this patient, we discuss a review of the literature and the clinical presentation, radiologic, and histologic findings of this disease.

Evaluation of Autogenous Engineered Septal Cartilage Grafts in Rabbits- A Minimally Invasive Preclinical Model.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate safety of autogenous engineered septal neocartilage grafts.Compare properties of implanted grafts versus in vitro controls. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, basic science. SETTING: Research laboratory. METHODS: Constructs were fabricated from septal cartilage and serum harvested from adult rabbits and then cultured in vitro or implanted on the nasal dorsum as autogenous grafts for 30 or 60 days. Rabbits were monitored for local and systemic complications. Histological, biochemical and biomechanical properties of implanted and in vitro constructs were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: No systemic or serious local complications were observed. After 30 and 60 days, implanted constructs contained more DNA (p<0.01) and less sGAG per DNA (p<0.05) when compared with in vitro controls. Confined compressive aggregate moduli were also higher in implanted constructs when compared with in vitro controls (p<0.05) and increased with longer in vivo incubation time (p<0.01). Implanted constructs displayed resorption rates of 20-45 percent. Calcium deposition in implanted constructs was observed using alizarin red histochemistry and microtomographic analyses. CONCLUSION: Autogenous engineered septal cartilage grafts were well tolerated. As seen in experiments with athymic mice, implanted constructs accumulated more DNA and less sGAG when compared with in vitro controls. Confined compressive aggregate moduli were also higher in implanted constructs. Implanted constructs displayed resorption rates similar to previously published studies using autogenous implants of native cartilage. The basis for observed calcification in implanted constructs and its effect on long-term graft efficacy is unknown at this time and will be a focus of future studies.

Flexural properties of native and tissue-engineered human septal cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the bending moduli of native and engineered human septal cartilage. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, basic science. SETTING: Research laboratory. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Neocartilage constructs were fabricated from expanded human septal chondrocytes cultured in differentiation medium for 10 weeks. Constructs (n = 10) and native septal cartilage (n = 5) were tested in a 3-point bending apparatus, and the bending moduli were calculated using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. RESULTS: All samples were tested successfully and returned to their initial shape after unloading. The bending modulus of engineered constructs (0.32 ± 0.25 MPa, mean ± SD) was 16% of that of native septal cartilage (1.97 ± 1.25 MPa). CONCLUSION: Human septal constructs, fabricated from cultured human septal chondrocytes, are more compliant in bending than native human septal tissue. The bending modulus of engineered septal cartilage can be measured, and this modulus provides a useful measure of construct rigidity while undergoing maturation relative to native tissue.