Subcutaneous benign fibrous histiocytoma of the cheek. Case report and review of the literature.

Fibrous histiocytoma is a benign tumour composed of a mixture of fibroblastic and histiocytic cells. Based on the location of this tumour, fibrous histiocytoma are usually divided into cutaneous types and those involving deep tissues. These lesions most often arise on the skin, but may rarely occur in soft deep tissues. The diagnosis of fibrous histiocytoma may be clinically difficult when the lesion is located in the deep tissues, and is frequently confirmed after local excision. The most important diagnostic distinction is the separation of this tumour from aggressive forms of fibrohistiocytic neoplasms, including dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. A 19-year-old male presented with a painless swelling on the right cheek. Detailed clinical and laboratory examinations were performed. The lesion had been totally excised under local anaesthesia, and histopathology revealed a benign fibrous histiocytoma. The diagnosis, location, treatment and prognosis of fibrous histiocytoma are also discussed.

Cocaine versus tetracaine in septoplasty: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Successful local anaesthesia is of critical importance for the success of septoplasty, and many surgeons prefer to use cocaine for this purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cocaine 4 per cent solution, compared with tetracaine 2 per cent plus adrenaline, as a local anaesthetic for patients undergoing septoplasty. METHODS: From December 2002 to February 2005, a prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted. One hundred and eight patients underwent septoplasty under local anaesthesia. Patients were randomly classified into group A and group B, in which was used respectively cocaine 4 per cent solution and tetracaine 2 per cent solution plus adrenaline. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate the severity of patients' pain during their procedure. RESULTS: Group B (tetracaine; mean rank=43.77) reported significantly less pain (p<0.001) compared with group A (cocaine; mean rank=65.23). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these findings, we recommend tetracaine as the first choice anaesthetic for nasal septoplasty; the use of cocaine should be limited.

Intramuscular haemangioma of the orbicularis oculi muscle of the orbit.

Intramuscular haemangiomas are uncommon, benign tumours frequently arising in the trunk and extremities. When they appear in the head and neck, the most frequent sites are the trapezius and the masseter muscles, rarely other sites. The case is reported of an intramuscular haemangioma with an unusual location in the orbital part of the orbicularis oculi muscle of a 54-year-old female. Clinical, radiological and histological findings as well as the treatment approach are discussed.